MOSCOW, Oct 6. Former WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko criticized the International Boxing Association (IBA) after the decision to lift sanctions against boxers from Russia and Belarus. On Wednesday, the IBA announced the return of the teams of the two countries to all international competition. Russian and Belarusian boxers were allowed to compete under the national flag, in case of victory, anthems will be played.
"Can you knock yourself out? Yes. The IBA is (this) an example and exposes itself to the ridicule of the whole world, despising humanistic and universal values. Boxing deserves better. What a shame", — wrote Klitschko in social networks.
The day before, IBA President Russian Umar Kremlev called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in competitions under its auspices. Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov called the IBA decision an impulse for the authorities to continue efforts to defend the interests of the country's athletes.