Dunaytsev was born in Kostanay, Kazakhstan, but the family moved in 2001 to Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia.

Dunaytsev first practiced judo, but after two years changed to boxing.

[2] Dunyatsev's first notable win was at the 2008 European Junior Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and in the following years he was quite successful in Youth and Junior National Championships.

[3][4] Dunaytsev became a two-time Russian National champion (2013–2014) in light welterweight division.

[3] He won gold at the 2015 European Championships defeating Pat McCormack of Great Britain in the Finals and in October, Dunaytsev became World Champion in Light welterweight at the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha, Qatar.