British boxers will not take part in the World Boxing Championships among men, the press service of the British Boxing Federation has reported.
This is due to the fact that on October 5, the IBA canceled the suspension of Russian and Belarusian boxers and allowed them to compete under national symbols – the flag and anthem. The championship will be held in Tashkent from April 30 to May 14, 2023.
"GB Boxing condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people, boxers, coaches and officials of Ukraine," the statement reads.
Earlier, the US men's and women's boxing teams refused to participate in the championship for the same reason.
In March, the Danish Fencing Federation announced that it would not hold international tournaments in the coming years. This decision was made after the International Fencing Federation (FIE) approved the admission of Russian athletes to compete in a neutral status.
"We have come to the conclusion that, unfortunately, we cannot do this when the rules are as they are now, when Russians and Belarusians are allowed to be part of this. We don't see ourselves in this," said Jan Sylvester Jensen, chairman of the board of the Danish Fencing Federation.
"The decision reflects concerns about boxing's future place in the Olympic program and the IBA's recent decision to allow boxing teams from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags, which contradicts the IOC's position on the participation of athletes from these countries. This has increased the distance between the IBA and the Olympic Movement, in addition to important, long-standing concerns about sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management," the statement said.
Background. Earlier it became known that the Wimbledon tournament will allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to participate – but under a neutral flag.