Oleksandr GVOZDIK: “Expulsion of the Russians? This is a hard question”

Former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk shared his view on the appropriateness of sanctions against Russian boxers in connection with their country’s military invasion of Ukraine.

“That’s a tough question. On the one hand, it’s unfair to these Russian fighters because they were born there, but now they’re fighting in the US or elsewhere. Why should you suffer because of a madman who started a war and became president of your country even though you never voted for him? Or maybe voted.

This is one side of the problem, but there is another side. Look what’s happening in Ukraine – a lot of people are dying there. The whole world supports Ukraine, it’s counter-terrorism and some of its methods are good. If they can ban Russian athletes and deprive them of prestigious medals for the state, this method could be a good one.

However, this is a very difficult question. I understand athletes but most of them support their country. I am against those who support Russia and the actions of its government! They should be banned. “Whether or not to do that is the question of the decision makers,” said Gvozdyk.