Usyk Condemns Softening Stance on Russian Athletes

Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk vows to keep fighting against Russian participation in major sports events.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:11pm

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Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk remains adamant that Russian athletes should not be allowed to compete in major international sporting events, even as governing bodies like the IOC and FIFA appear to be softening their stances. Usyk, who has been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance during the conflict, says 'people who support the killing of others' should not be allowed to participate in the Olympics or other competitions.

Why it matters

Usyk's stance reflects the ongoing tensions and divisions within the world of sports over the participation of Russian athletes following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As governing bodies consider easing bans, Usyk's defiant position highlights the complex political and ethical issues at play.

The details

Usyk, the unified heavyweight boxing champion, has been a vocal critic of allowing Russian athletes to compete internationally since the 2022 invasion. He argues that 'someone who kills on another person's orders and launches missiles at another country' should not be allowed to represent their country in sports. This contrasts with recent comments from IOC president Kirsty Coventry and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who have suggested easing or lifting bans on Russian participation.

  • In March 2026, Usyk spoke out against the softening stances of sports governing bodies.
  • Usyk is scheduled to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, 2026.
  • Usyk is also planning a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury, which would likely take place in Saudi Arabia.

The players

Oleksandr Usyk

The Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion who has been a defiant symbol of Ukrainian resistance during the conflict with Russia.

Kirsty Coventry

The new president of the International Olympic Committee, who has suggested allowing all athletes to 'compete freely' regardless of their governments' actions.

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA, who has said the international ban on Russian soccer teams 'has not achieved anything' and that the organization should 'definitely' look at lifting the ban.

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What they’re saying

“My opinion has not changed — this should not be happening. People who support the killing of others, the bombing of civilian cities, hospitals, schools, and everything else should not have the right to take part in the Olympic Games.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

“The Olympic Games were created as games of peace. But now someone who kills on another person's orders and launches missiles at another country is allowed to take part in sport — that is complete absurdity.”

— Oleksandr Usyk, Heavyweight Boxing Champion

What’s next

Usyk is scheduled to fight kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on May 23, 2026, and is also planning a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury, which would likely take place in Saudi Arabia.

The takeaway

Usyk's unwavering stance against allowing Russian athletes to compete internationally highlights the ongoing tensions and ethical dilemmas facing the world of sports in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. As governing bodies consider easing bans, Usyk's position reflects the views of many Ukrainians who feel their country's sovereignty and suffering should not be disregarded.