Vitaly Merinov (31 December 1990 – 31 March 2023) was a Ukrainian four-time world Kickboxing champion. He died after being injured while fighting against Russian forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
| Vitaly Merinov | |
|---|---|
| Born | 31 December 1990 Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Died | 31 March 2023 (aged 32) Ukraine |
| Native name | Мерінов Віталій Олександрович |
| Nationality | Ukrainian |
| Occupation | Kickboxer |
| Children | 1 |
Kickboxing
editMerinov was a four-time kickboxing world champion, Ukrainian universal combat champion, and a holder of the Ukrainian title master of sports in boxing.[1] He acted also as a kickboxing coach.
Russo-Ukrainian war
editMerinov took part in the fights from the beginning of the invasion in February 2022. He received a gunshot wound in his leg. After he recovered, he returned to the front. Later, he was wounded again, and died in the hospital.[2]
Personal life
editMerinov was married and had a daughter.
References
edit- ^ "Four-time world kickboxing champion succumbs to wounds sustained in battle with Russians". Ukrinform.net. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ Bickerton, James (April 2023). "Ukrainian World Kickboxing Champion Killed in Battle: Reports". Newsweek.com. Newsweek. Retrieved 2 April 2023.