Lithuania’s Genadij Krajevskij, who was based in Liverpool, England, has died at the age of 37. The “Baltic Bomber” was regularly employed as the opponent for prospects in British rings during his 76-fight career that stretched back to 2018.

“The Baltic Bomber graced the away corner in the Midlands Area on numerous occasions,” a tribute from the British Boxing Board of Control read. “He was always a delight to be around in and out of the ring.”

Krajevski, who recorded one victory in his six-year career and faced the likes of Bob Ajisafe, Tommy Fury and Brad Rea, was forced to retire in August when the Board withdrew his licence following defeat to Levi Vauhan. At the time, manager Kevin Maree said: “At 36 years old and a veteran of 76 fights, it was a decision that was inevitable, and we fully accept and respect the Board’s decision.

“I have worked with hundreds of boxers, and I have to say Genadij is way up there with my favourite boxers. His enthusiasm and love for what he was doing were superb. When I called Genadij about a contest, he never asked who, when, where, or how much. It was simply, ‘Thank you, boss, I’ll be there.’”

Krajevskij was indeed a popular figure on the boxing circuit after enduring a torrid start to life in Britain. He left Lithuania at the age of 21 and travelled to London with two friends.

“It was amazing to start with,” Krajevskij told Boxing News in April. “But we started living a horrible life. It wasn’t living, it was surviving. We were in a squat with no electric. I was sleeping on a dirty mattress and waking up because I was cold. We would go to the shops and steal bacon because we had no choice.”

His prospects improved when he moved to Liverpool where he found employment in retail and became reunited with boxing, a sport he had learned in Lithuania. Fighting on the white-collar circuit before winning four of six as an amateur, he then met Shea Neary who advised him to become a journeyman.

The high point of his career came in February when he outpointed Ryan Broten over four rounds. “I felt like a superstar,” Krajevskij said about his triumph. “I can’t remember the last time I felt like this. It’s hard to get wins. If I fight people at my level, it’s different, but I fight people who have won seven or eight national titles. I fight tough, tough boys.”

Former journeyman turned referee Poochi Van Poetsch spent a lot of time with Krajevskij.

“One of the happiest and most endearing boxers I ever got to meet,” he said. “Shared many dressing rooms and stayed at the same fighter hotels with him over the years.

“His scouse-Latvian accent was a quality that stood out and made him who he was and he will never be forgotten. Boxing lost a good one.”

Following Krajevskij’s passing, Maree posted on social media: “In the ring, he was a true warrior, embodying the spirit of the sport with infectious personality that drew everyone in.

“Outside the ropes, Genadij faced challenges that many couldn’t see. His incredible strength and resilience masked an inner struggle that often went unnoticed.

“As we remember the beautiful person that Genadji was, let us also recognize the importance of mental health and the silent battles many endure.

“His story serves as a poignant reminder that we all face challenges, and it’s crucial to support one another.

“We will miss you Genadji, our beautiful friend. I pray you have found the peace you so deserve.”