Former boxing world champion, 46, dies as devastating statement released

The Russian Boxing Federation has confirmed the tragic death of world champion boxer Irina Sinetskaya. Sinetskaya, a three-time world and five-time European champion, passed away at the age of 46 on Sunday. Beyond her world and European accolades, Sinetskaya also secured eleven Russian championships.

She was additionally a silver and bronze medallist at other World Championships and claimed silver at the Continental Championship. The Russian Boxing Federation press service confirmed the devastating news.

A statement read: "Three-time world champion and five-time European champion Irina Sinetskaya was the most decorated athlete in women's boxing. Her passing is a great loss for the entire boxing family.

"It is difficult and sad to realise that she is no longer with us. Our deepest condolences to Irina Vladimirovna's family and friends. Her memory will remain with us forever."

The statement failed to disclose her cause of death, though a subsequent report from Russian outlet Izvestia revealed that Sinetskaya's coach, Viktor Veselov, stated she died following a ruptured blood clot.

Sinetskaya received the title of Honoured Master of Sports for her exceptional accomplishments in boxing.

She was recognised as one of the trailblazing female boxers, taking part in the inaugural Women's European Cup in 1999.

Sinetskaya competed primarily as a light welterweight but subsequently moved up to the light heavyweight division, also facing heavyweights. Her last victory was at the European Women's Boxing Championship in 2009, where she competed as a middleweight.

She also clinched the World Women's Boxing Championship in 2006 as a light heavyweight.

Sinetskaya's most recent appearance at the European championship was in 2014, where she finished fifth in the super heavyweight division.