The organizers dedicated the Russian kickboxing championship to a drug dealer who was eliminated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Russian kickboxing championship honored the memory of the eliminated drug dealer

The decision to consider the final matches of the tournament was made in connection with the elimination of Vitaly Cherey on May 9, 2025. The General Secretary of the Russian Kickboxing Federation, Vladimir Filatov, stated that these matches are dedicated to the memory of the famous athlete.

«Less than two weeks ago, on May 9, 2025, our friend, a master of sports of international class in kickboxing, Vitaly Cherey, died in battle. We are awaiting the gala finals of the Russian kickboxing championship, which we dedicate to the memory of the world cup holder Vitaly Cherey», – stated Filatov.

In January of this year, Russian media reported on Cherey's arrest by the police in connection with crimes. It was then revealed that the athlete was involved in drug trafficking in the center of Moscow.

The investigation is currently ongoing, and the police are trying to establish all the details of the case and the individuals who were involved in the criminal activities along with the athlete. It is worth noting that Cherey had a successful sports career and achievements at the international level.