Former boxing champion Besar Nimani has died aged 38 after being shot while leaving a restaurant in Germany, according to reports.
According to national media outlet Bild, Nimani was leaving a cafe on Saturday night when 10 gunshots were heard. He died at the scene.
Police have launched an investigation following the murder of the former champion, but the perpetrators remain at large.
A statement from the Bielefeld police reads: “According to current information, the man from Bielefeld was present at around 18:00 in the area of Obernstrasse, near Klasingstrasse.
READ ALSO Drake loses £478k bet as Joshua knocks out Ngannou
One or more perpetrators approached and shot the victim. The man from Bielefeld, who was a Kosovo citizen, died at the scene due to the extensive injuries he received.
Nimani won 26 of his 27 professional fights in the ring from 2011 to 2019 and once held the IBF European super welterweight title.
‘A major police operation is currently taking place in the city area of Bielefeld. The search for the perpetrator continues.’
Nimani’s brother Berat also announced the boxer’s death through a social media post.
His message read: ‘My brother Besar Nimani was killed today in an ambush in Bielefeld, Germany.
‘May God unite us in heaven with him. I will always be proud of you, I love you.’
He won 26 of his 27 professional fights in the ring from 2011 to 2019 and once held the IBF European super welterweight title.
Nimani was born in Kosovska Mitrovica, but gained German citizenship after beginning his passion for boxing in Bielefeld at SV Brackwede in 1998.
The German outlet also reports how Nimani had previously been involved in an altercation that left five people injured after a shooting.
In August 2013, Nimani had an argument with his brother Berat and a friend in a Turkish restaurant near Bielefeld station.
READ ALSO IBA abolishes headgear in women’s boxing
The outlet claims Berat hit someone in the head with a cola bottle, but they pulled out a gun and fired.
Five people were injured after the incident, including Nimani.
On that occasion, the perpetrator was sentenced to 18 months in prison for violating gun laws.