World champion boxer Viktor Kotochigov suffers burns in acid attack by intruders

Kazakh fighter Kotochigov was in his UK hotel room when the attack took place, and had to be taken to hospital to be treated for his burns

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A former world champion boxer was the victim of an acid attack from a gang of hooded robbers who broke into his hotel room in the UK.

Viktor Kotochigov is in England for a training camp ahead of a planned fight on December 11, and was also supporting his fellow Kazakh fighter Tursynbay Kulakhmet, who lost to Juan Carlos Abreu last Friday.

The 28-year-old would have been hoping for the training camp to give him the best possible preparation for his fight as he has lost in his last two appearances in the ring.

But the former WBC lightweight champion had to be taken to hospital to be treated for some serious burns to his face, neck, torso and arms after he was set upon by a group who broke into his hotel room.

“The England camp was a bit unlucky for me. Briefly about the situation: I flew to England, to prepare for the duel scheduled for December 11,” Kotochigov told his followers on Instagram.

“Got a room and started working out. It’s been four days, sleeping at home at night, hearing some noise outside the door, someone trying to open the lock loudly.

“I’m breaking into my mind and want to grab a knife, but there was nothing in the kitchen except for a fork and spoon. The door opens, people fly in, with their hood on their heads.

“Not long thinking I stand up and go to them but apparently they had no plans to fight me and they were pouring acid-like substance on me, I curled in pain and these people quickly hid.

“Called the coach first thing. The coach came at night, took me to the hospital, took care of me, for which I am very grateful! I’ve spent the last few days in the hospital, with burns, being watched by doctors.

“I didn’t conflict with anyone who needed this, no idea. I understood one thing, you need to go to the camp to proven places.”

Kotochigov was preparing for his third fight in the UK, his first being a victory over Andrejs Podusovs in Bethnal Green in April 2019.

The Kazakh fighter then won the vacant WBC lightweight belt against Jairo Lopez and defended it successfully against Javier Jose Clavero, but lost it to Maxi Hughes in Dubai in October last year.

He then tried to win the vacant WBO European title in Bolton in March this year, but was knocked out by Gary Cully.