Vitaly Merinov (31 December 1990 â 31 March 2023) was a Ukrainian four-time world Kickboxing champion. He died after being injured while fighting against Russian forces during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Merinov was a four-time kickboxing world champion, Ukrainian universal combat champion, and a holder of the Ukrainian title master of sports in boxing. He acted also as a kickboxing coach.
Merinov took part in the fights from the beginning of the invasion in February 2022. He received a gunshot wound in his leg. After he recovered, he returned to the front. Later, he was wounded again, and died in the hospital.
Merinov was married and had a daughter.