Boxing world in mourning after champion fighter's death in Ukraine

The boxing world is mourning the devastating death of Ukrainian champion Oleg Prudky, who was killed defending his country against Russian forces.

Prudky, a former amateur boxing champion, was working for the Cherkasy Police special forces in Ukraine.

The 30-year-old was reportedly among three fighters killed when their city base came under attack from Russian forces this week.

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Prudky was a two-time amateur champion in Ukraine and was once called up to Ukrainian Otamans team for the World Series of Boxing competition - a team that superstar boxers Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk previously represented.

Usyk and Lomachenko have also taken up arms for Ukraine and are the fighting on the frontlines.

The Ukrainian Boxing Federation said: “We are sad to announce that the master of sports of international boxing class, champion of Ukraine Oleg Prudky, died in battles with the Russian occupiers.

“The Boxing Federation of Ukraine expresses its condolences to the boxer’s family! Eternal memory to you Olezh.”

Serhiy Tyshchenko, the President of the Cherkasy Boxing Federation, said: “Another tragedy in our boxing family. One of the best boxers of Cherkasy region, Oleg Prudky, died in the East.

“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.

“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.

“Eternal memory, rest in peace friend. Heroes do not die.”

Wife's devastating tribute to Oleg Prudky

Prudky leaves behind wife Mariana and two young daughters.

Mariana posted an emotional tribute to her late husband on social media.

"War - it takes away the best. I don’t believe, I don’t believe that you are no more.

“What I will not hear – Good morning darling! I’m fine! How are the girls? And the most important thing is that you will never tell me again – I LOVE you.

“You were like a bright sun, an example for your children, who adore you so much and ask you every time, and when dad comes.

“How can I tell them that they will never see you again?

“You were an example for your friends and colleagues. You are my ANGEL. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.”

Prudky was among a number of professional athletes to take up arms for Ukraine in the fight against Russia.

Former tennis players Alexandr Dolgopolov and Sergiy Stakhovsky have joined the fighting, while former boxing world champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have also taken up arms.

Young football players Vitalii Sapylo, 21, and Dmytro Martynenko, 25, have been killed in the war.

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