Former WBC boxing world champion Grigori Drozd Speaking on , he expressed hope that leaders of international sports federations would follow the example of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and allow Russian athletes to compete.
On Wednesday, the IBA board voted to admit boxers from Russia and Belarus to competitions under the organisation’s auspices with the decision taking effect immediately.
“It was a very pleasant surprise. Of course, first of all I would like to thank the President of the International Federation Umar Nazarovich (Kremlev) for such a bold decision. I want many international federations to watch it and do the same. It is clear that Russian athletes are involved to a lesser extent, it is only political will and pressure from international federations.
It was a surprise to all of us. I know for sure that Umarov is an important figure in the boxing world, he travels the world a lot, meets with international representatives. This decision was checked, worked out and did not arise suddenly. He has been moving towards this for a long time, today we see the result.
We have to interact very clearly. We are awaiting the reaction of the other leaders, the IOC to such a decision. I’m sure they should support. Boxing and sports in general are incomplete without Russian athletes. Everyone understands that. Today’s decision will be a new signal and a new impetus for everyone to look in this direction, to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete,” Drozd said on the airwaves of the program “All for the match ! on MatchTV.
Russian and Belarusian boxers will return to competitions under the auspices of the IBA under their national flags and anthems.
Source : MatchTV
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