The Olympic hopeful was suffering from serious injuries following the incident on Sunday (April 30) and was transported to a hospital by his friends, where he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. 

According to L'Équipe, a main suspect was arrested at Brussels airport yesterday.

"I'm stunned," said Yohan Zaoui who was in contact with him, according to L'Équipe.

"I am very sorry.

"Such a waste.

"He was the father of two children.

"The best French hope.

"A real drama.

"He was working as a bouncer at this shisha bar.

"He got shot.

"Two bullets in the chest."

The Brussels Times reported that a 35-year-old suspect was arrested yesterday at Brussels Airport "on his way to Côte d’Ivoire".

"He will be handed over to the French authorities by the Belgian authorities," a source was quoted as saying by The Brussels Times.

Florentin won the under-91 kilograms gold medal at the 2019 European Youth Championships in Sofia.

However, the youngster could not qualify for Tokyo 2020.

The Frenchman was suspended after hitting a trainer during a boxing competition in Paris, according to L'Équipe.

He turned professional and won three fights in Denmark, Luxembourg and Monaco between September 2022 and April 8 2023.

Denis Öztorun Ömür, Mayor of Bonneuil, paid tribute to the young boxer on Twitter.

"Wilfried Florentin died today," he wrote.

"A young 23-year-old boxing champion, the age of all possibilities, but also of the reality of a violent society.

"Our first thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones."