04 April 2023 , 14:06
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A world kickboxing champion who has been on the frontline in Ukraine since the start of the conflict has tragically died.
Ukrainian fighter and kickboxing world title holder Vitaly Merinov, 32, was killed by a Russian bullet on March 31.
Ruslan Martsynkiv, the mayor of Frankivsk, announced the news, confirming that Merniov died in hospital after being caught in enemy gunfire while battling Vladimir Putin's boys.
The four-time champion, who'd previously been injured in battle but swiftly returned to the frontline, was then hit again in the leg.
Mayor Martsynkiv 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."
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He has a wife and a two-year-old daughter left. Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Eternal memory to the Hero!"
Vitaly was a four-time world kickboxing champion (Supplied)
Vitaly Merinov leaves behind a wife and daughter (Supplied)On the first day of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the 32-year-old signed up for frontline duties.
He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Winter Olympian Vladyslav Herakevych was one of the chorus of tributes to the "defender of Ukraine".
He 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 signed up for the Ukrainian Army on the first day of the invasion (Supplied)Another tribute reads: ""Vitaly Merinov died fighting for freedom, Justice & democracy. This hero will not be forgotten."
"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," another said.
"I'm so sorry for Vitaly's family and friends' loss. RIP and glory fallen hero Vitaly Merinov"
He also earned a master of sports in boxing and a champion run in MMA (Supplied)And a third added: "Rest in heavenly peace hero Vitaly Merinov. Condolences to the loved ones. We will not forget we shall remember."
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As well earning the kickboxing championship four times, he was also awarded a master of sports in boxing and a champion run in MMA.
Two-hundred-and-sixty-two Ukrainian athletes have been killed during the Russian invasion, according to Ukraine's sports minister Vadym Huttsait.
One of them, boxing champion Maksym Galinichev, died on the front lines last week.