A TEENAGE boxer has died after collapsing during a fight when the referee "failed to stop" the match in time.
Shocking footage shows young boxing star Timofey Shadrin, 14, lose consciousness during the finals of a competition in Russia.
The youngster died soon afterwards as he was rushed to hospital in Pervouralsk, in the Sverdlovsk region.
He had appeared to hold his own in the fight but when the pair were separated by the referee, he backed slowly towards the ropes, and fell.
"When the boy became ill, the referee did not immediately stop the fight,” said an eyewitness.
“That's why he missed some blows.
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“Plus, his opponent was shorter, and at that moment, he hit him in the liver.”
It was only when Timofey retreated into the corner and collapsed in the ring that the fight was stopped, said those watching.
The other boy initially celebrated but then realised Timofey was in trouble and went to try and help.
Coaches and medics also rushed into the ring as the tragedy unfolded.
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Sports journalist Alexander Lyutikov said: “A 14-year-old boxer lost consciousness during the final of the city championship.
“He died in the ambulance.
“I’m watching this video and cannot imagine how the deceased’s rival feels now.”
A police probe has begun into the teenager's tragic death.
Children from the tournament rushed without coats in the -14C cold to demand the opening of a barrier at the hotel where the contest was held, after an ambulance sent to help the boxer was not allowed in.
"Shame on the hotel,” said a local.
“Children ran outside without coats in a panic so the ambulance could reach him.
“A man forcibly raised the barrier.”
The boy was described as an accomplished young boxer and had won all his rounds at the contest.
"He has been boxing for about six full years,” said an acquaintance.
“He led an absolutely healthy lifestyle. He didn't drink any energy drinks.
“He was positive, kind and helpful. He never insulted anyone.
“And he always came to the rescue when anyone needed help.”
He was from a loving family and had two sisters, aged 15 and four.
“His father works at a local factory, his mother is self-employed,” said police spokesman Valery Gorelykh.
The boy received a blow to his liver, he said.
"A few moments later, he fell in the ring.
“Detailed and exact circumstances are now being clarified by police officers and colleagues from the regional Investigative Committee.”
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Natalya Krylova, mother of another boxer at the context, said:
“My brain refuses to imagine me in the place of Timofey’s parents.”