Russian, Belarusian boxers free to compete as neutrals

Boxers from Russia and Belarus will be free to compete “with immediate effect” in international competitions as neutral athletes, World Boxing announced on Tuesday. (AFP/File)

• The ruling is valid for all global and continental competitions
• Delegations from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate with national flags

PARIS: Boxers from Russia and Belarus will be free to compete “with immediate effect” in international competitions as neutral athletes, World Boxing announced on Tuesday.
The ruling, which extends to coaches, support staff and officials, is valid for all global and continental competitions.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus had been banned from international competition following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Delegations from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate with national flags, uniforms or anthems and will have to pass a detailed vetting process to be able to take part in World Boxing events.
“The procedure was approved by the executive board of World Boxing at its most recent meeting in April 2026 and reflects the approach taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” said World Boxing in a statement.