Winnipeg man dies after medical emergency during charity boxing match

A Winnipeg man has died after suffering a medical emergency during a boxing match at a charity event on Saturday, his boxing club says.  

In a statement, the Winnipeg-based United Boxing Club confirmed that Robert Boyko, 54, died in what it's calling a "tragic accident" that occurred while he was boxing during the Corporate Challenge portion of the Melee Gala X charity fundraising event on Saturday night in Winnipeg, which was established by the club in 2013. 

United Boxing said Boyko started boxing in the winter of 2024, and in the short time he had been involved in the sport it had a positive impact on many aspects of his life. 

"Robert helped motivate and inspire our members at United Boxing Club and he will be deeply missed," the club said.

The club said it's reached out to Boyko's family, and is working with Boxing Canada to provide counselling services. 

The United Boxing Club said in the statement that it's not aware of any failures in the various safety protocols, which include medical examinations at the time of registration, and on the day of competition.

"Matches are made in consideration of factors such as age and weight," the club said. "Yes, there was medical support at the event, and they acted promptly on the medical emergency."

In a message sent to CBC Manitoba, Boyko's sister Karen Kyliuk said although the family is devastated by his sudden death, they take some solace knowing he spent his last moments doing something that had made him so happy in recent months. 

Kyliuk said that at 54, her brother was the oldest person to ever take part in the Corporate Challenge portion of the Melee Gala X. 

"Our hearts are broken, yet there was no holding him back," Kyliuk said. "He was determined to support the