KICKBOXING champion Vitaly Merinov, 32, perished in a battle in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian was killed on the front lines of the conflict with Russia, and tributes to the “hero” were soon given.
According to the mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsynkiv, Merinov perished in hospital on March 31.
“During one of the fights, Vitaly received a gunshot wound in his leg,” he explained. He healed and returned to the front, defending Ukraine until his last breath.
“He left behind a wife and a two-year-old daughter.” My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and loved ones. “To the Hero, eternal memory!”
Merinov is a four-time world kickboxing champion who is thought to have joined the war effort on the first day of the full-scale assault in February 2022.
He is said to have left behind a wife and a daughter, and many have given tribute to his valiant attempts.
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!”
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 ????”
“Rest in heavenly peace, hero Vitaly Merinov,” said a third. Condolences to the family members. We will not forget; we will recall.”
Merinov was also a national winner in mixed martial arts and a boxing maestro of sports.
Ukraine’s sports minister, Vadym Huttsait, disclosed that the conflict has killed 262 Ukrainian athletes.
Another boxer winner, Maksym Galinichev, died on the front lines last week; he was a European champion at the age of 22.
