Russian Sumo Wrestler Known As "The World's Heaviest Boy" Sadly Passes Away

World-renowned sumo wrestler Dzhambulat Khatokhov has reportedly died at the age of 21.

The Russian was famously known as being "the world's heaviest boy" and was an internet sensation while he was growing up.

But according to Betal Gubzhev, who is the President of Sumo and Mass Wrestling Federation in Kabardino-Balkaria, Khatokhov sadly passed away over night at his home.

This news comes after years of concern from his family and friends regarding his weight which ultimately resulted in severe kidney problems.

East 2 West News

In the mid 2000s, Khatokhov was a household name with reports suggesting he weighed around 210 pounds when he was just 6 years old and 300 pounds when he was nine.

But while some were fascinated with his sheer size at such a young age, it was his ability on the mat that did all the talking.

By all accounts, Khatokhov was a great sumo wrestler and even competed in other strength competitions such as arm and Greco-Roman wrestling.

But as his age increased, so did his weight.

And in 2009, a well-known British doctor warned Khatokhov of his growing health concerns.

"His weight means he has a greatly increased risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease," Dr. Ian Campbell said.

"As a result of being so heavy so young, his life expectancy is likely to be greatly reduced."

When his mother received backlash for his condition she argued that doctors in Moscow conducted tests but couldn't find any medical reasons for his worsening health.

"He is just growing - upwards and outwards," she said.

"What can I do about it? This is who he is, this is how God created him."

Khatokhov was just 21 at the time of his death.

Topics: News, Australia, Health, Russia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

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