Lausanne: Russian and Ukrainian boxing teams will compete as scheduled in the World Series of Boxing quarterfinals despite tensions between the countries.
The International Boxing Association says the Russian Boxing Team and Ukraine Otamans will meet on March 30 in Moscow and April 4 in Donetsk. The eastern Ukraine city has recently seen pro-Europe groups clash with Russia supporters.
AIBA says both teams agreed "sport should always be dealt with outside of politics."
The Russian franchise is owned by oil and gas engineering company Stroytransgaz, which is controlled by Kremlin-linked billionaire Gennady Timchenko. The Ukrainian franchise is run by the national boxing federation.
The winner is scheduled to face either the USA Knockouts or Cuba Domadores in the semifinals on April 25 and May 2.
