2023-04-30 11:23:07
Organized in the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes, the World Men’s Amateur Boxing Championships open Monday in Tashkent in Uzbekistan (May 1 to 14) against a backdrop of boycott and secession from several countries.
While most international federations have banned Russians and Belarusians since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Boxing Federation chaired by Russian Umar Kremlev (IBA), has not ruled them out. Consequently, as for the Women’s Worlds in India last March, a dozen countries, including Ukraine, the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Norway have decided to boycott the event.
The IBA however welcomed the participation of 104 nations and 640 boxers. The organization, sponsored by the Russian multinational Gazprom, also announced an endowment of 5.2 million dollars for the entire competition, double the previous edition. Amateur world champions will receive $200,000, silver medalists $100,000 and all bronze medalists will receive $50,000.
“I repeat that the main objective of the IBA is to create opportunities for all our boxers, so that they can perform and show the best of themselves at international level,” Kremlev said before congratulating himself: “This is what the IBA is successfully doing today, setting an example of how an international federation should treat its athletes. »
No boycott for the French Federation
It is in this context that the French Federation has decided to send eleven athletes to defend their chances in Uzbekistan. The delegation is notably led by Sofiane Oumiha, title holder in -60 kg, or Mathieu Bauderlique (-80 kg), both turned professional after their medals at the Rio Games and who hope to participate in those of Paris next year. . The competition will serve as a dress rehearsal before the European Games next June, qualifying stage for the Paris Olympics.
France also participated in the Women’s Worlds last March, already in the presence of Russians and Belarusians. The president of the French Federation Dominique Nato then explained “to stick to the sporting aspect”.
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