A Ukrainian kickboxing world champion has been killed in combat amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The coach of Maksym Kagal, 30, confirmed the fighter had died at the hands of Russian forces whilst serving his country's Azov Battalion unit in Mariupol on Friday. In an emotional Facebook post, Oleg Skirta said: “Unfortunately, the war takes the best.
“On 25 March, while defending the city of Mariupol as part of the Azov Separate Special Forces Unit, Maksym Kagal died." Skirta added: "Sleep well, Brother, rest in peace, we will avenge you."
From Kremenchug, Kagal was crowned world champion as part of the ISKA team in 2014. Since the news, a host of tributes have been paid to the star on social media.
@VouVon wrote "So sad to hear that Maksym Kagal, ISKA kickboxing champion has been killed defending his country. He may have lost this battle, but in the end will have won the war for his beloved Ukraine. He is a hero. May his memory be a blessing. Glory to Ukraine."
@Ramila67 added "Another BRAVE Ukrainian defender gone too early because of senseless and unnecessary violence," while @KWalker1975 said "A national hero. Love and condolences to all his friends, family, comrades in arms, and Ukrainians."
Kagal was killed on the same day that a theatre in Mariupol was bombed, causing around 300 further deaths. Around 14,000 Russian troops currently surround the city, which has been the subject of intense attacks since the invasion began on February 24.
According to a report in The Sun, nearly 5,000 people have been killed there during the ongoing war. Mariupol's City Council have said five out of its six hospitals have been destroyed, with 100 new patients requiring treatment each day.
In the country as a whole, more than 1,100 people have been killed in the conflict while more than 10 millions civilians have fled over the borders. Despite negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of Vladimir Putin, there is little sign of any peace deal being struck.
Kagal was among a number of combat fighters to take a break from their sport to serve the military. MMA Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov has cancelled his title defence in London in May against Michael 'Venom' Page.
Boxer Vasiliy Lomachenko meanwhile, has turned down a huge pay day to fight George Kambosos Jr in Australia for a world lightweight title. Legendary boxing brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, have been serving on the frontline in the capital city.
Oleksandr Usyk was another to fly home and take arms. However, the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion has been granted permission to now leave the country to prepare for his rematch with Anthony Joshua.
