Of many things prizefighting is known for, its criminal connection is one of the most persistent attributes. 

Tasos Berdesis, 39, a solid Greek boxer and a multi-time amateur champion was killed in a targeted drive-by shooting outside Aeolos boxing gym in Vari, East Attica, on Monday morning, May 31st. 

Investigators believe the mafia-style execution of the Berdesis, appears to be related to feuds between rival gangs. Police investigators said the man, a retired boxer, was shot at least 10 times on Andreas Papandreou Street with a machine-gun while sitting in the front passenger seat of a car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The victim worked as a doorman at popular nightclubs and provided security for businesses. Berdesis had a criminal record and had served time in prison. In 2015, he was charged by police over his alleged participation in an extortion racket but was later acquitted.

Berdesis compile a short but relatively successful career as a pro, going 7-0-1, 6 KOs, since his debut in 2014. He outpointed 12-1-2 world-rated future WBO super middleweight title challenger Shefat Isufi in his first fight. Berdesis was last seen in the ring in December 2019, stopping Russian journeyman Sergey Beloshapkin.

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Popular IBA female light welterweight champion Firuza Sharipova (13-1, 7 KOs) will continue her recent comeback on July 6th in Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), the Kazakhstan’s capital. Sharipova will fight Russian Angelina Semenova (2-1, 2 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round tune-up.