A FORMER amateur champion boxer has died aged 30 defending Ukraine against Russia.
Oleg Prudky was working for the Cherkasy Police special forces in the continued effort to fight the invaders.
Their city base was attacked on Sunday as he and three colleagues died.
Prudky was a two-time amateur champ in his homeland and was called up to Ukrainian Otamans team for the semi-pro World Series of Boxing competition – a team Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk previously represented.
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.”
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President of the Cherkasy Boxing Federation Serhiy Tyshchenko added: “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.”
Prudky leaves behind his wife Mariana and their two young daughters.
Mariana posted an emotional tribute to her late husband on social media.
She wrote: “War – it takes away the best. I don’t believe, I don’t believe that you are no more.
‘I LOVE YOU’
“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.”
