World Boxing allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status

World boxing has approved a procedure allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions under a neutral status (AIN).

Source: World Boxing, as reported by Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company

Details: The organisation's Executive Board has introduced strict restrictions on the use of national symbols of Russia and Belarus at competitions held under its auspices. According to the regulations, the use of flags, anthems, or any other state symbols of these countries is prohibited.

Quote from World Boxing: "There will be no use of the country or National Federation flag during the competition. If a boxer from an AIN [Individual Neutral Athletes – ed.] country wins a gold medal, the national anthem will not be played. If a boxer from an AIN country wins a medal, the AIN logo will be used on a flag in the medal ceremony. The boxers will be represented on television graphics and all competition information as AIN. This will be applied at all age category events directly organised by World Boxing or European Boxing."

Details: The newly established boxing organisation has also outlined a verification mechanism to ensure compliance with neutrality criteria. An independent audit will review the background of each athlete from Russia and Belarus.

Quote from World Boxing: "World Boxing will work with an expert, independent third party to conduct a series of checks on all athletes from Russia and Belarus that are entered into its competitions to ensure they do not have a history of supporting the war in Ukraine, are not paid by the military or security forces, are not members of clubs linked to the army or police force and have not participated in any events organised by The International Military Sports Council (CISM) since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The cost of the vetting process for each athlete will be covered by the National Federation for Russia or Belarus […] The vetting process will also apply to coaches and support staff […] The vetting process will apply to all male and female athletes at Elite World Boxing competition, but will not apply to U19 or younger athletes."

Background:

• World Boxing was established in 2023 as an alternative to the International Boxing Association (IBA). In September 2025, Ukraine joined the organisation. It is headed by former world champion and Olympic medalist Gennadiy Golovkin from Kazakhstan.
• In March 2026, World Boxing announced the admission of nine new members, including Russia.

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