3/13/2026 | USA | sports | ✓ Verified - abcnews.com

'Complete absurdity:' Usyk hits out at softening stance toward Russian athletes, plans Fury fight

#Oleksandr Usyk #Russian athletes #Tyson Fury #boxing #Ukraine #international sports #sanctions

📌 Key Takeaways

Oleksandr Usyk criticizes the softening stance toward Russian athletes as 'complete absurdity'.
Usyk is preparing for an upcoming fight against Tyson Fury.
The boxer's comments reflect ongoing tensions in sports due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The situation highlights debates over allowing Russian athletes in international competitions.

📖 Full Retelling

Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk remains as convinced as ever that Russian athletes should not be allowed to compete at major sports events, even as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA appear to be softening their stance

🏷️ Themes

Sports Politics, International Conflict

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights the ongoing tension between sports and geopolitics, particularly regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk's criticism affects international sports federations, Russian and Ukrainian athletes, and global sporting events. It raises ethical questions about whether athletes should represent countries engaged in conflict and impacts the integrity of international competitions.

Context & Background

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, leading to widespread international sanctions
Many sports organizations initially banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions following the invasion
Some sports federations have recently begun allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals without national symbols
Oleksandr Usyk is a Ukrainian professional boxer and current unified heavyweight champion who has been vocal about his support for Ukraine during the war

What Happens Next

Sports organizations will likely face continued pressure to clarify their stance on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The planned Fury-Usyk heavyweight unification fight will proceed but may be overshadowed by political tensions. Additional Ukrainian athletes may speak out against perceived softening toward Russian participation in international sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some sports organizations allowing Russian athletes to compete again?

Some international sports federations argue that individual athletes shouldn't be punished for their government's actions and are allowing them to compete as neutral athletes without national flags or anthems. This follows recommendations from the International Olympic Committee to find a pathway for their participation.

What is the significance of the planned Usyk-Fury fight?

The Usyk-Fury fight would unify all four major heavyweight boxing titles for the first time in over two decades. It represents one of the most significant boxing matches in recent history, but political tensions may affect its promotion and reception.

How have other Ukrainian athletes responded to Russian participation in sports?

Many Ukrainian athletes have protested Russian participation, with some refusing to compete against Russian or Belarusian opponents. Several have called for maintaining strict bans until Russia withdraws from Ukrainian territory.

What are the arguments for allowing Russian athletes to compete?

Proponents argue that sports should remain separate from politics and that banning individual athletes punishes them for their government's actions. They also claim that sports can serve as a bridge for dialogue and understanding during conflicts.

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Original Source

              'Complete absurdity:' Usyk hits out at softening stance toward Russian athletes, plans Fury fight Boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk remains as convinced as ever that Russian athletes should not be allowed to compete at major sports events, even as the International Olympic Committee and FIFA appear to be softening their stance By JAMES ROBSON AP sports writer March 13, 2026, 12:11 PM MANCHESTER, England -- The world of sport appears to be softening the hardline stance it took when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Russian athletes are back competing under their own flag at the Paralympics. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the international ban on Russian soccer teams “has not achieved anything.” And his counterpart at the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry , insists all athletes should be allowed to “compete freely." Oleksandr Usyk remains as resolute as ever. “My opinion has not changed — this should not be happening," the Ukrainian heavyweight world boxing champion told The Associated Press. "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.” Usyk has been a defiant symbol of his country's strength during the conflict, establishing himself as the most dominant heavyweight of his era. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history as a unified champion at two weights. He proudly wraps himself in his country's flag after each win — a show of solidarity toward his compatriots fighting on the home front. No surprise, then, that he has strong views on Russia's readmission to the world of elite sport. The Russian national anthem has rung out at gold medal ceremonies at the Paralympics in Milan Cortina for the first time in more than a decade. Russian athletes have previously been allowed to compete as as individual neutral athletes during the ban. But a speech by Coventry, the new IOC president, during the Winter Olymp...
            

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