A two-time boxing champion from Ukraine has tragically died while defending his country from Russian forces.
Thirty-year-old boxer, Oleg Prudky, was one of 4 members of the Cherkasy Police special forces killed on Sunday.
Prudky was an amateur boxer who often competed in semi-pro competitions, working his way up to the World Series of Boxing. Sadly, he will never get the chance to go pro.
The Cherkasy Police made the announcement that their officers, Stanislav Dyachenko, Vitaliy Sagaydak, Alexander Boyko, and Prudky had died, in a statement: “They defended Ukraine – the dead police heroes of Cherkasy region.
“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. 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 express our deepest condolences to their relatives and friends. We remember, we miss you. Bright memory.”
The Ukrainian Boxing Federation confirmed the tragic news in a statement on its Instagram page…
“It is with sorrow that we inform you that the master of sports of international boxing class, the champion of Ukraine Oleg Prudky, was killed in the fights with Russian occupiers,” they wrote, adding: “Boxing Federation of Ukraine expresses condolences to the boxer’s family. Eternal memory to you Olezh.”
Prudky’s wife Mariana also posted an emotional tribute to her husband, posting a series of images of him on Instagram, along with a heartbreaking caption.
She wrote: “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?
She concluded her post, writing: “You were an example for your friends and colleagues. You are my ANGEL. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.”
Prudky tragically leaves behind his wife Mariana and their 2 young daughters.
Our hearts go out to his family and the 4 others killed in the attack on Sunday.
Rest in peace, Oleg Prudky.