KICKBOXING champion Vitaly Merinov has died fighting in Ukraine aged 32.
The Ukrainian was killed on the front line in the war with Russia with tributes quickly being paid to the “hero”.
Merinov died in hospital on March 31 according to the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsynkiv.
He said: “During one of the fights, Vitaly received a gunshot wound in his leg. He recovered and returned to the front again and defended Ukraine to the last breath.
“He has a wife and a two-year-old daughter left. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Eternal memory to the Hero!”
Merinov is a four-time world champion in kickboxing who is believed to have signed up for the war effort on the first day of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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He reportedly leaves behind a wife and daughter and many have paid tribute to his heroic efforts.
Two-time Winter Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych wrote: “Vitaly Merinov died at night from wounds received in battle.
“Four-time world kickboxing champion Vitaly went to war on the very first day of the full-scale invasion. He defended Ukraine until his last breath.
“He is survived by his wife and two-year-old daughter. Glory to the hero!”
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One tribute read: “Vitaly Merinov died fighting for freedom, Justice & democracy. This hero will not be forgotten.”
Another said: “What a brave person. Going back to the frontline when he was wounded. I know that this isn’t unusual in Ukraine, but still it’s.
“I’m so sorry for Vitaly’s family and friends’ loss. RIP and glory fallen hero Vitaly Merinov 🙏”
And a third commented: “Rest in heavenly peace hero Vitaly Merinov. Condolences to the loved ones. We will not forget we shall remember.”
Merinov was also a national champion in MMA and earned the title of master of sports in boxing.
Ukraine sports minister Vadym Huttsait revealed the war has claimed the lives of 262 Ukrainian athletes.
Another boxing champion Maksym Galinichev passed away last week on the front lines – he was a European champion aged 22.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
