Crowdfunding campaign launched to help family of Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev

A campaign to help raise funds for the family of the late Maxim Dadashev has been launched, following the 28-year-old boxer's death from brain injuries received during a match against Subriel Matias in the US last week.

Dadashev passed away following a lengthy operation that intended to alleviate a subdural hematoma and bleeding on the brain that he sustained during a TKO defeat to Matias at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. 

Elizaveta Apushkina, the boxer's widow, arrived in Maryland on Monday and is in the process of making arrangements to have Dadashev's body returned to his native country. His purse for the fight, $75,000, plus training expenses will be paid in full to Apushkina, although difficulties in obtaining life insurance policies for professional boxers means that further expenses will be incurred in transporting his remains to Russia.

Bob Arum's Top Rank, which promoted Dadashev, will pay in full for the funeral costs; however, a fan-funded crowdsourcing campaign has also been set up to help pay for additional costs (donate here). A goal of $20,000 (€18,000) has been set.

Dadashev had been a resident of California since 2016 as he pursued a career in professional boxing and had hoped to apply for green card status so Apushkina and their young son could join him in the United States.

"It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of my husband, Maxim Dadashev," Apushkina wrote in a statement. "He was a very kind person who fought until the very end. Our son will continue to be raised to be a great man, like his father. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that cared for Maxim during his final days. I ask that everyone please respect our privacy during this very difficult time."

The head of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev, has also said the organization will offer financial support to the boxer's family. 

A video showing Dadashev's trainer, Buddy McGirt, persuading his fighter to quit last Friday's fight has been widely shared in the wake of his death. The fighter exited the ring under his own power but soon became unwell, leading to concerns for his health. His final record stands at 13-1.