Sergey Gorokhov (16-11-2 before the fight) knocked out local boxer Emirhan Kalkan (7-0) in the second round in Trabzon, Turkey. After celebrating his victory, Gorokhov was confronted by a man in civilian clothes connected to Kalkan, leading to a physical altercation when Gorokhov's cornerman pushed the man. A large crowd then stormed the ring and attacked Gorokhov and his team. Two cornermen, including one named Ismail, were taken to the hospital. After treatment, the team immediately drove from Trabzon to Georgia, removing Russian license plates for safety. They successfully reached Georgia without further incident.
Russian boxer Sergey Gorokhov secured a stunning upset victory in Trabzon, Turkey, only to be violently attacked by a mob of spectators moments after his hand was raised on April 26, 2026.
Gorokhov, entering the bout with a record of 16 wins, 11 losses, and 2 draws, stopped unbeaten local prospect Emirhan Kalkan in the second round. Kalkan had been perfect through seven professional fights and was competing in front of a home crowd, making the stoppage loss an especially charged result for those in attendance.
The trouble began immediately after the finish. A man in civilian clothes with apparent ties to Kalkan's camp approached Gorokhov during his post-fight celebration. When one of Gorokhov's cornermen intervened and pushed the man back, the situation escalated rapidly. A large crowd stormed the ring and launched a sustained attack on Gorokhov and his team.
Two members of Gorokhov's corner required hospital treatment as a result of the assault, including one identified as Ismail. Once they were discharged, the team made the decision to leave Turkey immediately, making the drive from Trabzon to neighboring Georgia overnight. Concerned for their safety on the road, the group removed their Russian license plates before departing. They crossed into Georgia without any further incident.
Why it matters
- The attack raises serious questions about fighter safety at professional boxing events in the region.
- Gorokhov's team took deliberate precautions during their exit, reflecting the severity of the threat they perceived.
- Two cornermen were hospitalized, meaning support staff beyond the fighters themselves bore the physical consequences of the violence.
- The incident highlights the risks that visiting fighters and their teams can face when competing in front of partisan home crowds.
