Former champion Vladimir Klichko reacted sharply to the decision of the WBA to restore boxers from Russia and Belarus in the ratings. The Ukrainian writes about moral guilt, from which decision makers will never be able to clear themselves. Information about the decision of the World Boxing Association with a link to the statement of its own commission appeared on Tuesday.
"It was decided to return Russian and Belarusian boxers to their place in the ranking. Athletes from these countries are not soldiers or members of the government, so they have nothing to do with the war with Ukraine. However, it was decided that any boxer who advocates war or takes part in her participation will be immediately removed from the rankings,” this message was published among others on the WBA page on social networks.
The decision in the context of the massive Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing since the end of February and supported by the Belarusian regime, is highly controversial. Among the numerous sanctions, there are those that prohibit the participation of athletes of the criminal state in the international arena, which has a clear moral justification.
Meanwhile, one of the key boxing federations, for which contributions for fights for the title of world champions are much more important, decided to pay tribute to boxers from Russia and Belarus.
Wladimir Klitschko, one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history, cannot understand this decision. Drama to the whole case is added by the fact that the 46-year-old athlete, who, together with the mayor of Kyiv, brother Vitaliy, has been supporting the fight against the invaders since the beginning of the war, has the status of a super champion, which was once awarded to him by the WBA.
“Boxing needs more transparency, not more greed. Cooperation between the WBA and IBA federations (International Boxing Federation - ed.) is a stain on the honor of this noble art, ”said the youngest of the Klitschko brothers in a post posted on his account.
“The decision to return boxers from Russia and Belarus is an indelible moral offense. It is no coincidence that the IOC insists on the exclusion of boxing from the 2028 Olympics. Boxing needs a big cleanup,” Wladimir Klitschko emphasized.
