Two-time Olympic boxing champion Boris Lagutin has died at the age of 84, reported by the Russian Boxing Federation.
The federation announced that Boris Nikolaevich Lagutin, an Honored Master of Sports of the USSR, passed away yesterday evening at the age of 85. He was a six-time USSR champion in the 71 kg class (1959, 1961–1964, 1968) and a two-time European champion (1961, 1963). Lagutin became the first boxer from the country to win Olympic gold twice, earning his Olympic titles in Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. The federation offered its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans, reflecting on his talent and impact in the sport.
Lagutin did not start boxing as a prodigy. In his youth, he did not stand out as a fighter, and he joined the sport after seeing a recruitment notice by chance. He trained with the Wings of the Soviets club under Viktor Trenin starting in 1955. Initially, he did not appear promising, but he faced a turning point in 1957 when he earned the right to compete in the Moscow championship. In the final, at 19, Lagutin defeated Viktor Mednov, the silver medalist from the 1952 Olympics, signaling the emergence of a remarkable talent.
Two years later, Lagutin claimed his first USSR title in the 71 kg division, setting the stage for his Olympic journey in Rome 1960. Although he delivered a brilliant performance, he fell short of the gold, losing in the semifinals to the American Wilbert McClure by a narrow 2–3 score. Lagutin later admitted that this defeat fueled his determination to win in the next Games. On the road to Tokyo 1964, he secured two European titles and dominated the Soviet championships four consecutive years, earning the honorary distinctions of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR and Outstanding Boxer of the USSR. The goal remained Olympic gold, and Lagutin finally achieved it in Tokyo 1964. Competing as the USSR captain, he fought five bouts and emerged victorious in the final against Frenchman Joseph Gonzalez with a 4–1 score.
Four years later, Lagutin traveled to Mexico City for another Olympic appearance at the age of 30. Soviet leadership initially preferred younger boxers and did not guarantee his selection, effectively suggesting that no Soviet boxer had yet competed in three Olympics and would not qualify. Nonetheless, Lagutin earned a late opportunity after a USSR title win in Leninakan three months before the Games, where he defeated Viktor Ageev and Valery Tregubov. Because Ageev was removed from the team due to a disciplinary issue, Lagutin received the opportunity to vie for another Olympic medal.
He seized the chance with all his experience, reaching the final and defeating Cuban Rolando Garbey, who was a decade his junior, by a decisive 5–0 score. Lagutin described this victory as the most valuable of his career. His competitive days then came to a close. He earned a degree from Moscow State University, graduating from the Biology faculty, and remained deeply involved in sports, contributing as an organizer for the Komsomol Central Committee, serving five years as vice-president of the Spartak sports society, and later guiding the USSR Boxing Federation for a period. In his later years he shared his stories with students across several Russian cities, reflecting on a career that inspired many.
A colleague recalled Lagutin as a first‑class man and a world boxing legend with a unique fighting style. He was praised for his generosity, always offering advice and assistance to younger athletes. The elder generation of boxers looked up to his strength of character and leadership, and even after retirement Lagutin remained committed to guiding newcomers into the world of boxing. The impression he left on the sport endured, as noted by many in the boxing community and by TASS reports.
Former absolute world champion Konstantin Tszyu also commented on Lagutin’s passing, calling him a legend and expressing gratitude for having met him and built a friendship. Tszyu highlighted Lagutin’s positive demeanor, which persisted even during illness, and noted the support of Lagutin’s wife through difficult times. Tszyu’s reflections underscored Lagutin’s status as a towering figure in the sport and as a role model who inspired generations.