The world of boxing has descended into fragments as geo-political conflicts have taken a hold of the sport. The IBA’s, earlier known as the AIBA, growing Russian influence has become a major point of concern for Ukraine, the United States and their allies, as well as the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Now, Olympic gold medallist has also gotten involved in the matter after joining Ukraine’s fight against IOC as the Olympic Committee were deciding on letting some Russian boxers compete at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In a video message posted on Monday, the former world heavyweight champion suggested that sports leaders may end up being accomplices of war if they allow athletes from Russia as well as its ally Belarus to compete on an international stage as prestigious as the Olympics.

The message came in the wake of a decision taken by IOC where it allowed Russians and Belarusians who haven’t endorsed or supported Russia’s aggression of Ukraine to qualify for the Paris Games and compete in a period of 18 months’ time as neutral athletes with no flag or anthem. Their qualifying events are most likely to be held in Asia.

This softening on IOC’s stance on Russia which had initially prevented any athletes from the country to take part in international events and had even advised other sports bodies to do the same has received an angry reaction in Ukraine. They have even voiced their frustrations and suggested that they may end up boycotting the Paris Olympics.

Klitschko’s one-minute statement filmed beside bomb-damaged buildings started “Dear Thomas Bach” in a direct challenge to the IOC president.

“The world is watching you, history will judge you. Good luck with your decision,” Klitschko said in a stern manner to IOC president Thomas Bach and his Olympic policy for Russia.

“You are the representative of the universal values of tolerance and peace,” Klitschko said on camera to Bach, who also won Olympic gold, in team fencing. “I tell you; the Russians are Olympic champions in crimes against civilians.”

“You cannot put your Olympic emblem on these crimes because you will be an accomplice with this abominable war,” he further added. 

Klitschko had won the gold medal in the super heavyweight title at the Atalanta Olympics in 1996.