Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

A Kazakh boxer who travelled to Britain to attend a training camp has been left badly scarred after he was woken up in the middle of the night by a group of hooded thugs who threw acid over him and then ran away.

Viktor Kotochigov, a lightweight boxer from Kazakhstan, was left badly scarred after allegedly being doused in acid by a group of hooded attackers in his hotel room.

The 28-year-old victim gave more details about the incident in an Instagram post earlier today (4th November).

He said he travelled to Southampton, England, where he was training for a fight in preparation for a fight scheduled for 11th December.

He started the post by telling his 42,500 followers: “The training camp in England was a bit disappointing for me. I’ll briefly tell you about the situation.

“I flew to England to prepare for the fight scheduled for 11th December. I rented a room and started training.”

He added: “After spending four days training, I was sleeping when I heard noises coming from outside of my room. Someone was making a lot of noise while trying to break the lock. I jumped to my feet and wanted to grab a knife, but only had a fork and spoon to hand.

“The door opened and a group of people burst in. They were all wearing hoods. Without a second thought, I went to confront them but they had no plans to fight me.”

Viktor went on: “Instead of engaging me in a fight they poured an acid-like substance all over me. I fell to the floor in agony and the attackers left.

“The first thing I did was call the coach, who arrived and took me straight to the hospital. He took care of me and I want to thank him for that.

“I spent the next few days in the hospital with burns under the supervision of doctors. I have not had any issues with anyone out here and I have no idea who would do such a thing.”

Viktor concluded: “I have realised one thing – you should always go to training camps in safe places.”

According to the Kazakh news site Sports, Kotochigov has not fought since March this year and in total has won 12 fights and lost two.

His last two fights were both defeats. He lost to the British boxer Maxi Hughes in October last year and to the Irish boxer Gary Cully in March.

It is not clear if Viktor will recover in time for his scheduled fight in December.

It is not yet clear if an investigation into the incident has been launched.