2001 boxing champion Agapito Sanchez of the Dominican Republic died on Tuesday in Santo Domingo of bullet wounds received on Sunday night, said Genaro Fanjul, representative of Dominica��s boxing commission.

The 35-year-old Sanchez died at a Santo Domingo hospital hours after surgery to remove two bullets from his stomach. He was shot by a policeman, fatally damaging his intestine, pancreas, kidneys and colon. He will be buried in Santo Domingo on Wednesday.

Fanjul said the crime will be investigated by a special police commission.

Sanchez had a 36-11 record with three draws as a pro. He vacated his junior featherweight title in 2002 after being diagnosed with cataracts. He lost a bid to regain the title in 2004 in a bout with Joan Guzman.

In his most recent fight, Sanchez defeated Edison Torres of Venezuela on Sept. 17 in Santo Domingo.

Source: Xinhua