He is one of several Ukrainian boxers who joined the fight against Putin's invasion
A two-time semi-pro boxing champion has died fighting
Russian forces on the
Ukrainian frontline, as confirmed by Cherkasy Police and his partner.
Oleg Prudky, 30, was working with the police as part of special forces in the region of Cherkasy for the last three months but previously competed in several worldwide tournaments for his country in the super-lightweight category, including several European championships.
The Ukrainian boxing champion is survived by his wife, Mariana, and two young daughters.
https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1529069985741561856?s=20&t=UMqfA9O_YouV-gqX9UxhHQ
His death was confirmed by Cherkasy Police along with a number of other officers:
“On May 22, defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, our colleagues, police officers of the Special Operations Department of the KORD Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police, were killed."
The statement goes on to read: “There are no words to convey the pain, the despair over the irreparable loss. We bow our heads and bow low to their parents. In our memory, they will remain honest and principled people, good friends and reliable colleagues.
"We remember, we miss you. Bright memory.”
He previously competed in the 2015 World Series of Boxing competition - a now-defunct tournament which allowed amateur boxers to keep their status while competing professionally - for
Ukrainian Otamans (linked to Turkish heritage).
The Cherkasy Boxing Federation shared a collage of photos depicting his previous fights:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd58t-IIlKZ/
In a lengthy caption in which they wrote: "Oleg was a two-time champion of Ukraine and a master of sports of international class", adding that "everyone remembers your incredible fights. You are the first in the history of Cherkasy boxing to win gold in the 60kg weight category."
Prudky retired as a boxer in 2015 with a record of 17-14 record, which included a streak of 12 fights undefeated from September 2013 until January 2015.
Speaking in a message on Instagram his wife said: "War - it takes away the best. I don't believe, I don't believe that you are no more… 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…"
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd-Xzc1IPiY/
She confirmed in a subsequent post that a service will be held at the local Holy Trinity Cathedral.
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