The WBC, WBO and IBF jointly announced that the three entities will no longer sanction world title fights involving Russian and Belarusian boxers on Tuesday.
“The WBC, WBO and IBF join the sports world in an urgent call for a ceasefire and an end to the war in Ukraine, with the invasion of Russia,” they wrote in a statement. .
“We are constantly monitoring the ongoing developments, hoping that this situation will be resolved soon, in order to restore normal life and activity.
“The world of boxing is united for peace, the world of sport is united for peace and rejects all forms of war. Innocent lives are being lost and Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are dying. »
The decision could have consequences for unified WBC-IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. The Dagestani-born boxer, who has been training and living in Montreal for a decade, is set to face WBO champion Joe Smith Jr. this spring in New York.
For its part, the WBA removed the name of Arslanbek Makhmudov from its heavyweight rankings. Makhmudov, who was born in North Ossetia-Alania, also trains and lives in Montreal.
