Former heavyweight champion of the world Wladimir Klitschko has this week blasted the WBA’s decision to reinstate Russian boxers to their rankings.
In a video posted to his official Twitter account, Klitschko described the move as “an indelible moral fault.”
“Boxing needs more transparency, not more greed. The collaboration between the WBA and the IBA is a stain on the coat of the noble art. The decision to reinstate Russian and Belarusian boxers is an indelible moral fault.”
“It is no coincidence that the IOC persists in excluding boxing from the 2028 Olympic Games. Boxing needs one, big clean up.”
#BoxingNeedsOneBigCleanuppic.twitter.com/kzSIOhPSgh
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) December 15, 2022
The WBA, through its Championships Committee and Ratings Committee, announced on December 13th that they would be restoring all Russian and Belarusian boxers to their places in the world rankings.
The governing body took to social media to explain the decision in a statement released earlier this week.
“The athletes from this country are not soldiers or part of the government, so they have nothing to do with the war against Ukraine.”
“However, it was determined that any fighter who speaks out in favour of the war or is involved in it will be removed immediately.”
The World Boxing Association (WBA), through its Championships Committee and Ratings Committee, issued a statement in which it decided to reinstate Russian and Belarusian boxers to their place in the rankings #WBACentennialConvention
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) December 13, 2022
The U-turn comes following a move by WBA chiefs in Spring of this year to remove all Russian and Belarusian boxers from their rankings following the former’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
Klitschko has spoken out publicly about the war in Ukraine on numerous occasions having fought on the frontline alongside his brother Vitali. The two former heavyweight champions became beacons of hope for the country amidst torrid times, and continue with their efforts to this day.
Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk echoed the sentiments expressed by ‘Dr Steelhammer’, suggesting the decision was taken with financial motivation at the forefront.