Maxim Dadashev In Memoriam - Photos by Melina Pizano - 07/24/19

When I first started photo assisting Ed Mulholland of HBO Boxing, he offered me his ringside spot to photograph the undercards (since he didn't have to cover them.) I quickly jumped on the opportunity. The first professional boxing match I ever photographed was Maxim Dadashev versus Efrain Cruz. While I had photographed various sports, I had no clue what I was doing when it came to photographing boxing. Dadashev made it a little easier on me by putting on a great performance with a TKO in the second round. After referee Kenny Bayless had waived off the fight, Dadashev turned toward me and let out a yell. An unforgettable moment to an already unforgettable night. I followed his progress over the past few years as he continued to rise. 

Dadashev's last fight was July 19th and stopped by his trainer, Buddy McGirt, in the 11th round. Following his bout he was hospitalized in critical condition due to injuries sustained in the ring. A few days after he passed away. I was absolutely gutted. I didn't know him, but I knew he had a family. After he passed ESPN's Max Kellerman said of Dadashev, "Every fight hoping to become a citizen and eventually bring over his wife and small child." Boxers truly give their all, many in hopes of a better life. Dadashev was a warrior to the very end.

Photos taken on Saturday, November 16, 2016 at Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 

Maxim Dadashev defeats Efrain Cruz by TKO in round 2.