Almost 20 nations are boycotting the event amid mounting concerns about the IBA, the sport’s Russian-led world governing body.<\/p>\n
The IBA allows fighters from Russia and Belarus to compete with national flags and anthems, despite the war in Ukraine, while boxing’s Olympic future is believed to be under threat under the current regime.<\/p>\n
Although not wanting to have athletes competing at the World Championships, Boxing NZ left the final decision up to the boxers.<\/p>\n
Boxing New Zealand president Steve Hartley said five athletes have confirmed they will attend, with one other still making their decision.<\/p>\n
Hartley indicated the situation was a delicate balancing act for the national body.<\/p>\n
“We thought it was fair [to let the boxers decide] since they were so far down the track with raising funds and training…<\/p>\n
“We’re trying to align with what is right, with government policy, which has been stated in a number of agreements they’ve signed…<\/p>\n
“We’ve decided we’re going to support our own, but Boxing New Zealand doesn’t support IBA events.”<\/p>\n
While the New Zealand athletes are set to attend, in what official capacity is yet to be decided.<\/p>\n
Hartley said making a call on whether the fighters would remain under the Boxing NZ banner, or compete as neutrals, was one of several issues to be ironed out by the organisation’s executive committee in the coming days.<\/p>\n
“It comes down to athlete welfare. They’re going into a toxic environment, and do we want to put more pressure on their shoulders?<\/p>\n
“We want to make sure they’re comfortable. Even though we don’t agree with them going we must support them because we’re so far down the rabbit hole.<\/p>\n
“Things have moved quickly and we’ve got to align ourselves as best we can, within reason.”<\/p>\n
A key reason for the boxers wanting to attend is the opportunity the event provides to fulfil the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s selection requirement for athletes to prove they are capable of a top 16 finish.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SOURCE RNZ<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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