Tommy Fury’s ex-rival Genadji Krajevskij has passed away at the age of 37.
Krajevskij was a notorious journeyman in the boxing circuit, and a popular character who was seen as a test for many of the up and coming stars in the sport.
TNT SportsKrajevskij fought Fury in 2020 behind-closed-doors[/caption]
In the most high-profile fight of his career, the 37-year-old took on British star Fury in 2020, who stopped him in the second round to gain his fourth professional victory.
A statement released by the British Boxing Board of Control’s Midlands Area Council confirmed the news of his passing.
It read: “We would like to pass our condolences and thoughts to Genadij Krajevskij’s family and friends at this time.
“The Baltic Bomber graced the away corner in the midlands area on numerous occasions. He was always a delight to be around in and out of the ring.”
VIP Boxing Promotions, who had staged several of Krajevskij’s fights, also issued a statement with an emotional tribute to the Lithuanian boxer.
They added: “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of Genadij Krajevskij’s passing.
“We had the honour of featuring him in the VIP Shows on multiple occasions.
“Our videographer, Lee Hogan, was fortunate enough to capture his sole professional victory during his 68th fight on a Frank Duffin show.
“This moment was incredibly significant for him, as he conveyed the message ‘Never give up’ to the camera. Rest in peace, Baltic Bomber.”
Krajevskij had a long and tough career fighting 76 times during his six year stint as a professional from 2014.
TNT SportsKrajevski was a hugely popular figure in the British boxing circuit[/caption]
He won just one fight during that time, which came when he outpointed Ryan Broten in February in Oldham in February.
It was a huge moment for the journeyman who was delighted to have picked up a rare win, a display of his resilient and determined character.
Fury has since picked up six more wins and is now 10-0 in his professional career, with his biggest wins having come last year against influencer-boxers Jake Paul and KSI.
After a lengthy lay-off with injury since last October, it was announced that ‘TNT’ would next take on Darren Till on a Misfits Boxing show on January 15.
The pair clashed at a heated press conference, during which the former UFC title challenger Till threatened to break the rules and ‘kick’ Fury during the fight.
As a result, Fury astonishingly decided to withdraw from the fight and insist it would not take place with a new opponent to be found.
Till was left furious and lashed out at his rival, explaining that he was simply trying to sell the fight to highly-anticipating fans.
But Misfits Boxing CEO and Fury’s ex-rival KSI has vowed the fight will still go ahead given contracts have already been inked.
