In recent months the Boxing Canada Board of Directors, along with the High-Performance Advisory Group (HPAG), has been involved in several discussions regarding our involvement in international competitions that allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes. Our decision to participate in such events has been based on information and discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), as well as several other Boxing federations.

On December 9th, 2022 the IOC held a summit to discuss the participation of Russian and Belarussian athletes in international competitions. During this summit the IOC concluded that no flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications of these countries can be displayed at any international sports competition/event or meeting. Furthermore, the IOC and the Olympic movement has taken the protective measure of not inviting athletes from Russia or Belarus to participate in international competitions under their own flag or banner. We know that the upcoming Women’s World Championships scheduled for March 14th-26th, 2023 in India will include both Russian and Belarussian athletes in the competition. Most recently, we have learned that there are a growing number of countries who have decided to boycott the World Championships to uphold the values of the Olympic Movement, and several other countries who will participate in the competition but will require their athletes to withdraw from competition if they draw a boxer from Russia or Belarus. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions amongst several Boxing Federations and their governments related to the legality of the prize money at stake for gold, silver, and bronze medalists. 

Given these circumstances, the Board of Directors of Boxing Canada have decided to uphold the decision of the IOC and the values of the Olympic movement and not participate in the 2023 World Championships. We understand the implications that this decision will have on our national team athletes and we are working diligently alongside our HPD and national team coaches to find a suitable replacement tournament to continue developing our HP athletes in preparation for the Pan American Games Qualifiers as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Boxing Canada, 

Ryan O’Shea 

Boxing Canada President 

Posted on: February 27, 2023