WBC’s Official Position Concerning Boxing in Russia and Belarus
At the World Boxing Council's 60th Annual Convention in Acapulco, the WBC’s Board of Governors reviewed the situation concerning boxing in Russia and Belarus in light of Russia’s shocking invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, the WBC made a provisional ruling with views of reviewing the WBC’s position, if necessary at this Convention, depending on the overall situation and current status of the invasion.
The WBC’s provisional ruling included two decisions:
1. The WBC would not sanction any fight within the territory of Russia or Belarus.
2. The WBC would not sanction any fight involving any boxer from either of those two countries.
Russia’s military invasion has halted all boxing activity in Ukraine. Many sports complexes and gymnasiums have been destroyed and Ukraine’s population, including athletes, live in a constant threat bombings and deadly attacks in their soil.
The WBC stands for human equality, respect, and peace. Historically The WBC has rejected any type of discrimination or abuse of power. The WBC Constitution’s Code of Ethics outlines the respect that must be afforded to all national laws of any country affiliated to the WBC.
It is unfortunate that the WBC’s position has resulted in athletes becoming innocent victims of actions of aggression outside of our sport, which have damaged in many ways the world wishes for peace.
At the November 6, 2022, WBC Board of Governors meeting here in Acapulco, the WBC Board approved a resolution to remove all boxers from Russia and Belarus from the official WBC world ratings.
Any specific cases of nationals from the above-mentioned countries permanently residing in other countries, being citizens of other countries, or living as refugees who have publicly rejected Russia’s actions in the current situation shall have the right to petition to the WBC to reconsider the application of the WBC’s ruling to their particular case.
This measures in the WBC’s Ruling are effective immediately, and will stay in effect until such time when Ukraine is able to resume their normal boxing activity or when WBC’s Board reevaluates the situation and modifies its ruling.
