22-Year-Old Boxing Champion Maksym Galinichev Dies While Defending Ukraine Against Russia: 'Hero'

Maksym Galinichev, a promising 22-year-old boxer from Ukraine, died while fighting against Russian forces earlier this month.

“Maksym Galinichev, 22, European youth boxing champion, died defending Ukraine in Luhansk region,” Gerashchenko wrote. “Maksym enlisted as a volunteer and came back to the frontlines twice after being wounded and recovering.”

“Eternal memory to Hero,” he added.

According toBleacher Report, Galinichev won gold at the 2017 European Youth Championships and a silver medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.

Anton Gerashchenko /Twitter

He declined to compete in the European Championships after placing second among boxers under the age of 22 in 2021.

Instead, he enlisted as a volunteer in the Ukrainian military last year after the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Many on social media paid tribute to Galinichev after news of his death.

“Maksym, you paid the ultimate sacrifice defending Ukraine,” wrote onTwitteruser. “You will never be forgotten. May your gentle soul Rest in Eternal Peace. Rest easy hero. My thoughts are with your family.”

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Added another: “I am so sorry about this brave young man. He fought bravely for his country. Rest in peace.”

Russia started a war in Ukrainewith a large-scale invasionon Feb. 24, 2022.

source: people.com