The United States Boxing Federation (USA Boxing) has withdrawn from participation in the women’s and men’s world championships in 2023. The decision was made due to the admission to tournaments of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags. This statement was published on website USA Boxing.
In addition to the admission of Russians and Belarusians under national flags, the statement also lists several more claims by USA Boxing against the International Boxing Organization (IBA). It notes that in 2022, the IBA was unable to hold independent presidential elections, this post was received by the Russian Umar Kremlev. IBA also did not stop cooperation with Gazprom, which is the organization’s general partner.
According to the head of USA Boxing, Mike McAtee, the participation of American athletes in the world boxing championships under the auspices of the IBA will violate the sanctions of the IOC, as well as the principles of fair play and transparency.
After the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended not to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in international competitions. On February 2, the IOC announced that they were discussing the possibility of Russians and Belarusians playing under a neutral flag at tournaments in Asia.
In 2019, the IOC withdrew recognition from the IBA. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the boxing tournament was hosted by the IOC itself. In October 2022, the IBA allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. In December, the IBA announced plans to extend the sponsorship contract with Gazprom. In response, the IOC threatened to deprive boxing of its status as an Olympic sport.
More details – in the material “Kommersant” “Boxers are taken out of the fight.”
