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(1990-12-31)31 December 1990
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Died31 March 2023(2023-03-31) (aged 32)
Ukraine
Native nameМерінов Віталій Олександрович
NationalityUkrainian
OccupationKickboxer
Children1

Kickboxing

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Merinov 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

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Merinov 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

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Merinov was married and had a daughter.

References

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  1. ^ "Four-time world kickboxing champion succumbs to wounds sustained in battle with Russians". Ukrinform.net. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  2. ^ Bickerton, James (April 2023). "Ukrainian World Kickboxing Champion Killed in Battle: Reports". Newsweek.com. Newsweek. Retrieved 2 April 2023.