Is Wladimir Klitschko Taking a Fair Stance Against Dmitry Bivol?
As many know, former unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is currently in Ukraine to fight with his countrymen during his nation’s war with Russia. His leadership and courage are worthy of applause.
In recent days, he’s on record calling for the banning of every Russian athlete from participating in sports. He sees it as a method to put pressure on Russian president Wladimir Putin. As part of the ban, he now believes that Russian national and current WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) should not be allowed to fight Canelo Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) on May 7. He explained his take to UK’s BBC Radio.
TAKING A STAND
“Every sanction […] and it’s nothing against the personalities or athletes. It’s about the politics of Russia. Every Russian representative, in this case, needs to be sanctioned because this way we show to Russia that the world is against his senseless war, and there is no good in this war.”
By most accounts, Putin’s actions are disturbing and highly problematic. Current fighters like unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk and former pound for pound king Vasyl Lomachenko have put down the gloves and traveled back to their country of Ukraine to fight with their comrades. In a show of solidarity and symbolism, the four major sanctioning bodies have decided to no longer sanction any bouts in Russia.
REASONABLE OR NOT?
For Klitschko’s position side of things, many view Putin as an authoritarian and a tyrant. The Russian leader is on a single-minded mission for power or control. The counter view could argue that one fight will in no way sway Russia’s leadership to change course. That means the only result would be a big opportunity taken away from the 175-pound champ, Bivol. Additionally, Putin’s decision does not speak for Russia in its entirety, based on the multiple protests and calls for peace in that country.
Ultimately, is Klitschko’s stance fair to Bivol? Is his suggestion fair as a general stance? These questions will likely persist throughout the remainder of the conflict, and potentially even beyond it.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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