Alexander Shipilov, the USSR boxing champion, has died.

USSR boxing champion Alexander Shipilov died at the age of 79. This was announced on the official website of the Russian Boxing Federation on May 12.

"On May 10, Alexander Vasilyevich Shipilov, a master of sports of international class in boxing, died at the age of 79...> His memory will always remain with us," the publication says.

The Boxing Federation expressed its deep condolences to the athlete's family and friends.

Alexander Shipilov was an international master of sports and an honored coach of the USSR. He is also a prize-winner of the national championship, the winner of the Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR (1971) and the Spartakiad of Friendly Armies (1973), the winner of the USSR Cup. Honorary citizen of the city of Petushki, Vladimir region.