Both legs of the quarter-final between the Russian Boxing Team and the Ukraine Otamans will be maintained on a home and away basis, with the decision being "based on the main principle of the Olympic Movement, which is that sport should always be dealt with outside of politics", AIBA said.

Both teams are said to have fully agreed to the move and boxing's world governing body is "extremely happy that the opinion of both teams has been respected".

The first leg of the Russia versus Ukraine boxing match is due to take place in Russia's capital, Moscow, on March 30, with the second leg to be held on April 4 in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, which have been the scene of violent anti-Government protests by pro-Russian supporters living in the city.

Donetsk, a largely Russian-speaking city in eastern Ukraine where many residents have close ties to Russia, declared a day of mourning last Friday (March 14) after one person was killed and more than two dozen injured in a mass fight.

There are fears among some European leaders that Russian forces could intervene in eastern Ukraine to protect Russians there, the same justification used for sending troops to occupy key facilities in Crimea.

Russia's seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region has been lambasted as illegal and illegitimate by NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who warned that it is "the gravest threat to European security and stability since the end of the Cold War".

The Ukraine Otamans will take on the Russian Boxing Team in the WSB quarterfinals
©Getty Images


Ukraine is now drawing up plans to withdraw its soldiers and their families from Crimea, after pro-Russian forces seized two naval bases, including the Ukraine Navy's headquarters in Crimea.

Kyiv also says its Navy chief has been detained and Andriy Deshchytsya, Ukraine's interim Foreign Minister, said the situation is "unpredictable and uncontrolled", presenting a danger to civilians.

The winner of this quarterfinal will then face the winner of the USA Knockouts versus the Cuba Domadores match, with the first leg to be held in either Russia or Ukraine on April 25, and second leg in either the United States or Cuba on May 2.

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