Ukraine boycotts boxing championship due to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian boxers
The Boxing Federation of Ukraine (FBU) has joined a growing boycott of the amateur world championships over the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian boxers, who have been allowed to compete with national flags and anthems, Reuters reports.
FBU Vice President Oleg Ilchenko said that their boxers would not compete in this year’s men’s and women’s championships. Both competitions are organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Russian Umar Kremlev. The United States, Ireland and Britain are among nine other federations that have boycotted the women’s event, while several have also pulled out of the men’s tournament.
“Our answer is clear — our athletes and representatives of the Boxing Federation of Ukraine do not compete where representatives of the aggressor countries, namely Russia and Belarus, will compete. As long as the war is going on and as Russian troops are on the territory of our country … they will not participate,” Ilchenko said.
