Former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine has expressed his displeasure at the recent agreement between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the World Boxing Association (WBA).

The IBA, which runs amateur boxing, has been led for the last few years by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev.

Last month, Kremlev signed a working agreement with WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza/

"Being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport," Mendoza stated.

"This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that Boxing is One and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport."

Klitschko is also upset with the WBA's decision to reinstate Russian and Belarusian boxers to their official rankings.

Russia and Belarus are currently engaged in a military attack on Ukraine.

"Boxing needs more transparency, not more greed. The collaboration between WBA and IBA is a stain on the coat of the noble art. The decision to reinstate Russian and Belarusian boxers is an indelible moral fault," Klitschko said.

"It is no coincidence that the IOC (International Olympic Committee) persists in excluding boxing from the 2028 Olympic Games. Boxing needs one big clean-up."

The WBA has explained why Russian and Belarusian boxers will no longer be excluded.

"The 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," Mendoza said.

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