Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has condemned the gradual reintegration of Russian athletes into international sport, calling it 'complete absurdity' amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking to the Associated Press, Usyk insisted that those who support the killing of civilians and the bombing of hospitals and schools should not be allowed to compete in events like the Olympic Games.
Russian athletes are now competing under their own flag at the Paralympics, and recent comments from IOC president Kirsty Coventry and FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggest a softening of the hardline stance taken after Russia's 2022 invasion. Coventry stated that athletes should not be held back 'by the politics or divisions of their governments', while Infantino said the ban on Russian soccer teams 'has not achieved anything' and should be reviewed.
Usyk, who has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance by wrapping himself in his country's flag after victories, argued that sport must continue to take a stand. 'If somebody is even following the orders of his commander-in-chief to go and fight, then they cannot also go to sports competitions and represent their country there,' he said. 'In the evening they are killing, and in the morning they compete as athletes. That simply doesn't add up.'
The undefeated boxer is preparing for his next fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on 23 May, and has expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury, whom he has already beaten twice. Both previous fights took place in Saudi Arabia, but Usyk acknowledged that the widening crisis in the Middle East, including Iranian retaliatory strikes and disruptions to sporting events, may affect future venues. 'My task is simply to be ready,' he said, adding that organizers will decide where it can be held safely.
