The World Boxing Association (WBA), through its Championships Committee and Ratings Committee, issued a statement in which it decided to reinstate Russian and Belarusian boxers to their place in the rankings.

The athletes from this country are not soldiers or part of the government, so they have nothing to do with the war against Ukraine or any ongoing conflict. However, it was determined that any fighter who speaks out in favor of the war or is involved in it will be removed immediately. 

For the sake of the sport and in favor of the careers of the fighters, they will be able to return to the rankings and fight for WBA titles. 

The decision was made after an extensive deliberation of all the members of both committees during the Centennial Convention of the World Boxing Association (WBA), taking place since Sunday, December 11 at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida.