In defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity from Russian invaders, the front lost a distinguished athlete: Denys Yashchuk, an international class boxing master, Ukrainian champion, European medalist, and long-time member of Ukraine’s national team.
Denys competed in the 52 kg weight category. He was born in the city of Netishyn, where he began his boxing career before training for many years at the Brovary School of Physical Culture and Sports, representing Kyiv region.
Denys Yashchuk is also known for his participation in the “Ukrainian Atamans” team, a semi-professional boxing squad created by the Ukrainian Boxing Federation in 2012 to compete in the popular World Series Boxing (WSB) league. Notable Ukrainian boxers, including Oleksandr Usyk, Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, and Denys Berinchyk, have also been part of this team.
Denys was always a joyful and positive individual with an iron-willed character. During the full-scale Russian invasion, he went to defend his homeland from the invaders. Tragically, he returned only “on his shield,” as a true hero. He leaves behind a wife and a son.