Moldovan Olympic boxer Vasile Belous, who competed at the 2012 Games in London, is killed in car crash aged 33 after losing control of his Mercedes and smashing into the stone wall of a monastery in his homeland

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Vasile Belous, one of Moldova's best boxers who competed at the 2012 London Olympics, was killed in a car crash on Monday night.

Police in his homeland of Moldova have confirmed the death of the 33-year-old after he lost control of his Mercedes in the village of Calaraseuca, around 150 miles north of the capital Chisinau.

The car smashed into the stone wall of a monastery and local media pictures showed the crumpled front end of the vehicle.

Moldova is mourning the death of of one of their greatest sportsmen Vasile Belous (left)

Belous, who died at the scene, is survived by a wife and two children. 

The welterweight reached the second round of the London Games and won bronze at the 2017 European Championships.  

He was also national champion several times and won international tournaments.

His last bout was a defeat in Poland four months ago. Belous recorded 72 victories and two knock-outs in his 116 amateur fights.

The welterweight was national champion several times and won international tournaments

Coach Petru Caduc told publika.md: 'He was a very technical athlete. There are few athletes with such technique in Moldova.

'He was a personality, a very dedicated man. He fulfilled everything I told him. He trusted me, he never betrayed me. He was a great fighter. 

'We are very sorry that what happened happened.'

Igor Untila, coach of the national boxing team, added: 'He was a performance athlete, the pride of Moldovan boxing. He participated in the Olympic Games and, indeed, it is a great tragedy what happened. 

'Condolences to the grieving family and all his loved ones.'