Two times European Youth Champion boxer Maksym Galinichev has been killed fighting for Ukraine against Russia.
The 22-year old won Gold at the European Youth Championship in both 2017 and 2018 and also represented Ukraine at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.
Galinichev volunteered to join the military after the outbreak of the conflict instead of competing at the European Boxing Championships in Armenia.
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He was killed earlier this month in Luhansk and was believed to have been serving with the 25th Airborne Brigade when he died. He reportedly leaves a three-year old daughter behind.
Anton Gerashchenko, a Ukrainian Government advisor, confirmed his passing on social media. He wrote: "Maksym Galinichev, 22, European youth boxing champion, died defending Ukraine in Luhansk region. Maksym enlisted as a volunteer and came back to the front lines twice after being wounded and recovering.”
Team GB Boxing sent their condolences on Twitter, posting: "Everyone at GB Boxing is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Ukraine's 22-year-old European Youth champion Maksym Galinichev. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maksym's friends and family at this devastating time."
Fellow Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych also hailed Galinichev for 'laying down his life' for Ukraine, adding: "Glory to hero."
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