Mikhail Saladze, the 1981 World wrestling champion, died at the age of 72.

Mikhail Saladze, the Soviet wrestler and 1981 world champion in wrestling, died at the age of 73. This was announced on February 2 by the head of the press service of the Russian Wrestling Federation Tigran Avanyan.

"Mikhail Saladze, an outstanding Soviet wrestler, world champion in classical wrestling, multiple USSR champion, has passed away," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

The cause of death of the athlete is not specified.

Mikhail Saladze was born on January 4, 1954 in Zestafoni. Saladze started wrestling back in 1968. Subsequently, he became world champion in 1981 in the weight category up to 100 kg. He also won two Universiade titles in 1973 and 1981. The athlete also has four USSR championships in different years.

In addition, Saladze was awarded the Georgian Order of Vakhtang Gorgasala, III degree, as well as the title of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.