Neutral Athletes from Russia and Belarus Granted Opportunity to Compete in World Boxing
Boxers from Russia and Belarus have been granted the opportunity to compete as neutral athletes by the newly established governing body overseeing Olympic boxing competitions. World Boxing made the announcement, stating that Russian and Belarussian boxers will be treated as neutral athletes, a practice that mirrors the International Olympic Committee's approach since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These athletes and their support personnel will not be permitted to participate in World Boxing events with national flags, uniforms, or anthems. They must also undergo a vetting process to ensure they have not supported the war in Ukraine or have any ties to the Russian army.
World Boxing was established in 2023 as an alternative to the International Boxing Association, which was permanently banned from the Olympic movement that same year. The IOC's decision to ban the IBA was a result of ongoing governance issues, financial misconduct, and close ties to Russia, particularly after Umar Kremlev was elected as president in 2020. The IBA had allowed Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete with their national symbols starting in 2023, despite the restrictions imposed on them across various sports.
In February 2025, the IOC provisionally recognized World Boxing, which took over the organization of Olympic boxing tournaments in Tokyo and Paris following the IBA's expulsion. Subsequently, boxing was officially included in the program for the Los Angeles Olympics after a period of uncertainty due to governance concerns. The decision to allow Russian and Belarussian boxers to compete as neutral athletes reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure fair and transparent competition in the sport of boxing on the Olympic stage.