Russia and Belarus admitted to World Boxing Federation - Details
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: Getty Images)
The World Boxing Federation has expanded its membership, adding nine new countries. Among the newcomers are representatives from Russia and Belarus, which has caused significant reactions in the sports community, according to the organization’s Instagram account.
Strict rules and neutral status
World Boxing, which was created as an alternative to the discredited IBA, officially approved the membership of national federations from nine countries.
In addition to Cyprus, Mozambique, Niue, and Papua New Guinea, Russia and Belarus were included. The executive board has already approved the respective applications.
Despite being accepted into the organization, boxers from the aggressor countries will not be allowed to use national symbols.
The World Boxing press office emphasized the following restrictions:
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Competitors may only participate as individual neutral athletes.
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The use of state flags and anthems of Russia and Belarus is strictly prohibited.
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Mandatory verification to ensure no ties to military or police forces.
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Only athletes who have publicly not supported military aggression against Ukraine will be allowed.
Context and Ukraine’s role
World Boxing was established in 2023 to preserve boxing in the Olympic program after the IOC severed ties with the pro-Russian IBA.
Ukraine officially joined the organization in the fall of 2025.
Currently, the federation is headed by former world champion Gennady Golovkin, who was elected president in November.
Ukrainian heavyweight Vladimir Klitschko had previously been a candidate for this position but later withdrew from the election.
Earlier, Oleksandr Usyk explained why he agreed to fight the “King of Kickboxing.”
