Rufat Risqiyev, legendary Uzbek boxer, dies at 76

Legendary Uzbek boxer Rufat Risqiyev has passed away at the age of 76 following a serious illness. The Uzbekistan Boxing Federation confirmed his death.

Known as the ‘Tashkent Tiger,’ Risqiyev was a pioneer in Uzbek boxing, becoming the first Uzbek boxer to win a World Championship in 1974 (75 kg category) and securing an Olympic silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Games. His professional record included 174 victories out of 189 bouts. He was also a two-time winner of the Cuban Open Championship.

Beyond his competitive career, Risqiyev served as a coach and official. He held various academic and sporting roles, including positions at the Tashkent Polytechnic Institute and the Republican Olympic Reserve School. He was a recipient of several state honors, including the ‘El-yurt xurmati’ and ‘Do‘stlik’ orders. In 2023, he was appointed as an honorary advisor to the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA).