Professional Ukrainian kickboxer Maxim Kagal died defending Mariupol. The Ukrainian authorities informed about the death. The sad news was also confirmed by his coach.
Kagal fought in the Azov special unit, which participates in the fighting in and around Mariupol. The exact circumstances of how and where the young kickboxer fell, the Ukrainian authorities do not say. His coach Oleg Skirt also confirmed the death of his charge during the Russian attack on Sunday.
The 30-year-old fighter has had a number of successes, including the title of world kickboxing champion under the ISKA (International Sport Karate Association), which covers several martial arts from karate to MMA. Kagal thus became the first Ukrainian adult world champion.
“Rest in peace, brother, we will avenge you soon,” Coach Skirt said goodbye.
Kagal is not the first known Ukrainian athlete to die defending his homeland against Russian aggression. The FIFPro players’ association has previously confirmed the deaths of two young professional footballers, Vitaly Sapyl and Dmytra Martynenko. According to information from the Ukrainian Biathlon Association, 19-year-old Yevhen Malyshev, who was a member of the junior national team, also fell at the front.
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