Martial arts champ on trial for punch

• Tweet

MOSCOW, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- A forensic expert will be the last witness Tuesday at the Moscow trial of Russian athlete Rasul Mirzayev accused in the death of a student, his lawyer said.

Mirzayev's attorney asked Judge Andrei Fedin to allow the testimony of Sergei Leonov who failed to show up on the day he was initially scheduled to testify, ITAR-Tass reported.

Mirzayev, 26, a Russian and world martial arts champion, faces a maximum 15 years in prison if convicted of delivering a fatal punch to student Ivan Agafonov during an altercation in 2011.

Prosecutors said he used his professional skills and training when he hit Agafonov in the face, leading to his death several days later.

Mirzayev has pleaded not guilty to causing the victim's death.

Security around Moscow's Zamoskvorechye courthouse has been tightened in preparation for a verdict.