Athletes from both countries will compete at the World Boxing Event without wearing their national flags, national anthems, logos or uniforms.
Published April 29, 2026
Boxers from Russia and Belarus will be free to compete internationally as neutral competitors “with immediate effect,” World Boxing said.
“This procedure was approved at the most recent meeting of the World Boxing Executive Board in April 2026 and reflects the approach taken by the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” World Boxing said in a statement on Tuesday.
Under this policy, athletes from both countries will compete and be judged as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) without wearing their national flags, anthems, logos or uniforms.
The move follows World Boxing’s board of directors’ decision in March to approve membership applications from the Russian and Belarusian boxing federations, paving the way for athletes from both countries’ boxing federations to compete in the event.
The AIN procedure applies to all age group competitions organized by World Boxing, European Boxing and international events run by national federations, and also covers coaches, support staff and team personnel.
World Boxing said the procedure takes effect immediately and the general secretary has formally informed the Russian and Belarusian boxing federations on how to implement the measures.
