A heroic Ukrainian boxing champion has tragically died on the frontline while fighting against Russia.
Oleg Prudky was one of a number of athletes who took up arms following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of their country.
As a two-time boxing champ of Ukraine, Prudky was a celebrated competitor in the semi-pro world and joined the Ukrainian Otamans team to compete for them in the World Series of Boxing competitions.
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When Russia launched its attack on his home country, the 30-year-old joined part of the special forces, working alongside authorities in his local region of Cherkasy.
According to TalkSPORT, the boxer was among four members of the Cherkasy Police troops who died in an attack on Sunday, 22 May.
The Cherasky Boxing Federation confirmed the news on Instagram while writing a touching tribute to the heroic fighter.
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A translation of their post reads: "Another tragedy in our boxing family. One of the best boxers of Cherkasy region, Oleg Prudky, died in the East...
“The boxing family of Cherkasy region expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace!"
The federation’s president Serhiy Tyshchenko was quoted as saying: "I remember now how your coach told you how eager you were to do boxing and cycling for tens of kilometres to get to training.
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"I remember how we supported you at the competitions of 'Ukrainian Atamans', then a whole bus from Cherkasy came to support you and you won!
“Everyone remembers your incredible fights. You are the first in the history of Cherkasy boxing to win gold in the 60kg weight category.
"Oleg was a two-time champion of Ukraine and a master of sports of international class.
“Your victories and achievements are hard to count, you were a very persistent and hard-working athlete, you trained a lot. You have been a worthy example for future generations.
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"It is very difficult to accept such news every day – an irreparable loss for our boxing family. I express my sincere condolences to the boxer's family.
“Cursed war takes away the best sons of Ukraine! Eternal memory, rest in peace friend! Heroes do not die!"
The news arrives just days after the first Russian soldier to be charged for war crimes since the invasion of Ukraine was sentenced to life in prison.
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Captured soldier Sgt Vadim Shishimarin was convicted of killing civilian Oleksandr Shelipov in the north-eastern village of Chupakhivka on 28 February.
Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova has said her office is prosecuting 41 Russian soldiers for offences that included bombing civilian infrastructure, killing and raping civilians, and looting.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@mariashka1388Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News, Boxing