Volodymyr PRODIVUS: “Ukrainian boxing did not speak out for the election of the Kremlin”

Volodymyr Prodivus, president of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation, talked about how the Russian Umar Kremlev was re-elected as the head of the IBA.

“My goal is to protect and promote Ukrainian boxing and all its representatives worldwide. This goal was never hidden and never underestimated. Yes, just write that the ambitions of Volodymyr Prodyvus, as a Ukrainian and President of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation, are the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian boxing in the context of world boxing history. Especially now, as the war continues and the sports careers of a whole generation of Ukrainian boxers are under threat.

I am aware that every day in Ukraine people die as a result of Russian aggression: both military and civilian, including members of Ukraine’s boxing family. I do not live in a separate world where there is no pain or concern for those who died at the hands of the Russian invaders. I understand, understand, experience and live this war together with the entire Ukrainian people.

But I want to believe that Ukraine’s global victory is a series of local victories, a local consequence of all Ukrainians and Ukrainian women who continue to move, work, be useful to the country.

My goal is to protect and promote Ukrainian boxing worldwide. That’s why I joined the Board of the International Boxing Association (IBA).

No, I do not support the actions of the Russian aggressors in Ukraine. How does anyone think of this? My whole life is dedicated to Ukrainian business and Ukrainian sports.

The International Boxing Association is not a private Russian project. This is a seriously authoritative sports organization in the world of Olympic boxing. Just as Ukraine did not withdraw from the UN and other major world public institutions to protest the actions of the Russian invaders in our country, Ukrainian boxing should remain in the context of world boxing.

Umar Kremlev is the president of the International Boxing Association, elected by representatives of many countries of the world. My vote, the voice of Ukrainian boxing, was not for Omar Kremlev to be elected. This is the position of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation announced to the world: we do not support the Russians in the world of sports while there is war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian media spread to me images of the presentation of the official IBA award. Such gestures of merit recognition are generally accepted around the world and do not carry any special burdens or obligations. The presentation of such an award, or even an official award, is accompanied by the same official handshake in the boxing world, a tap on the shoulder – there is no question of any “public fraternity”. An understandable example: in peace talks between representatives of the Ukrainian side and the Russian side, the participants shook hands.

Diplomats, including sports diplomats, cannot spit in each other’s faces if they want to negotiate rather than show personal emotional displeasure. I understand very well that a fight would look much more spectacular, but from my point of view what would such a fight and ostentatious rudeness give Ukrainian boxing and its representatives? Will Ukraine benefit from this?

I emphasize. I would never support the Russians who killed the Ukrainian people. No need to speculate on this.

I did not vote for Umar Kremlyov in the IBA presidential vote. But as the rest of the world community has given him a credit of trust, I will work under current circumstances.

My goal is to protect and promote Ukrainian boxing worldwide. If I have the opportunity to be effective for Ukraine in a different capacity, I am always ready to think, analyze and implement.

Thanks to those who understand me and my situation. Everything will be Ukraine,” wrote Prodivus.