Igor Vysotsky, the 1978 heavyweight champion of the USSR in boxing, has died at the age of 69, the Russian Boxing Federation said in a statement. Telegram. The cause of death was not specified.
As the Federation notes, Mr. Vysotsky was “insanely popular with the fans.” He twice defeated the Cuban Teofilo Stevenson, who had previously remained undefeated. In 1978, Mr. Vysoktsiy was one of three Soviet boxers who took part in sparring with Muhammad Ali.
Igor Vysotsky ended his sports career at the age of 27 without qualifying for the Olympic Games in Moscow. After that, he went into business, made films, and also opened a boxing club in Mytishchi. Shortly before the death of Mr. Vysotsky, his wife Marina died.
