By Alexey Sukachev

Ex-Soviet and world boxing communities sustained a huge blow to their very hearts. Vladimir Rodionovich Klitschko, the proud father of the two best heavyweights in the recent memory, sadly passed away at the age of 65 after a long and unsuccessful battle with illness.

Vladimir Sr. was a dedicated follower of aviation, a well-respected officer of air forces. He has also taken part in cleaning up the effects of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster in 1986. His influence on shaping up the characters of both Wladimir Jr (WBA/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion) and his elder brother Vitali (WBC heavyweight titleholder) can hardly be overestimated.

BoxingScene sends its deepest condolences to the Klitschko family in these trying times.