British board bans boxers from Russia and Belarus in wake of Ukraine crisis
Boxing
Professional boxing`s British governing body said on Thursday it would not allow boxers registered or licensed in Russia and Belarus to fight in Britain. The British Boxing Board of Control`s statement follows global sporting sanctions in response to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.
No major professional fights in Britain are currently scheduled involving boxers from Russia or Belarus.
Russian light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol is due to fight Mexican Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in a high-profile WBA title fight in Las Vegas on May 7, a bout that has faced calls for cancellation.
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Ukraine`s former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, whose older brother Vitali is mayor of Kyiv, told the BBC this week that the fight should not be allowed to proceed.