27 fights, 26 victories, 22 KO’s. That’s who Besar Nimani was. A war refugee from Kosovo, he found his new home in Germany in 1997 and picked the boxing gloves just a year later. He even held the IBF European Super Welterweight title during his peak. However, he retired in 2019.
Unfortunately, the boxing world has lost him. Reports reveal Nimani, 38, was shot in the north Rhine-Westphalia town of Bielefeld, on Saturday night. The police have launched an investigation to uncover the events that led up to Nimani’s death. The German outlet ‘Bild’ reported that eyewitnesses heard about 10 gunshots when Nimani was leaving a cafe on Saturday.
The grieving incident has left the boxing world in shock, especially Nimani’s family. Nimani’s brother Berati penned a heartfelt tribute for his sibling on social media. He wrote, “My brother Besar Nimani was killed today in an ambush in Bielefeld, Germany. May God join us in heaven with him. I will forever be proud of you, I love you.”
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The authorities revealed, “One or more perpetrators approached and shot the victim.” They also stated that the boxer died at the scene due to the wounds. The cops are currently investigating the incident and a big police operation will be conducted to find the perpetrators. Further, they shared, “There is a high volume of information. Witnesses should continue to contact the Bielefeld Police Homicide Squad ‘Ober’ or any other police station with information, pictures or videos about the crime.”
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On the other hand, ‘EuroNews’ revealed that Nimani had survived another shooting back in 2013, and there is no word on whether there is a link between the two incidents. As per the information available, in August 2013, Nimani, his brother, and a friend got into a disagreement in a Turkish restaurant near Bielefeld station. Berat allegedly hit someone on the head with a bottle and, in retaliation, a pistol was drawn and fired. It is said that five people, including Nimani, were injured following that incident and the perpetrator was handed an 18-month prison sentence.
Nimani lived a splendid life as a boxer who defeated all the odds. Fans recognized this as they flooded the comments section and paid their tributes to the icon.
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Boxing fans are in shock about Besar Nimani’s death!
One fan expressed shock at the fact that Nimani left the world at such a young age and wrote, “Gone to soon , so bewildering.” Meanwhile, a comment sent prayers to Nimani’s family and penned, “Rip prayers for the family.”
Comments like “Rest in my brother”, “Thats messed up” and “RIP Legend” were abundant. The retired boxer was married and had three children.
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As someone who battled in the ring and life as well, Nimani was a born fighter, and the boxing world will continue to remember him for all that he gave to the sport. We extend our condolences to Besar Nimani’s family in these trying times.
