The Board of Governors met at the WBC Convention in Acapulco, and ruled that these measures should remain effective until Ukraine is able to resume "normal boxing activity" or it modifies the ruling.

Outlining the impact of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, the WBC said that boxing had been halted in the country, with many sports complexes and gymnasiums destroyed and athletes living in "a constant threat".

"The WBC stands for human equality, respect, and peace," the WBC statement read.

"Historically the WBC has rejected any type of discrimination or abuse of power. 

"The WBC Constitution’s Code of Ethics outlines the respect that must be afforded to all national laws of any country affiliated to the WBC.

"It is unfortunate that the WBC’s position has resulted in athletes becoming innocent victims of actions of aggression outside of our sport, which have damaged in many ways the world wishes for peace."

A provision for individual Russian or Belarusian boxers to appeal to the WBC is included in the Board's decision.

This is open to boxers who permanently reside in another country, are a citizen of another country or are living as refugees, provided they have publicly rejected Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Russian-born Artur Beterbiev is the WBC men's light heavyweight world champion, although he has a Canadian passport so this is listed under the Canadian flag.

The WBC had already ruled that it would not sanction any fights involving Russian and Belarusian boxers nor bouts held in either country.

It extended these measures in Acapulco, with President Mauricio Sulaimán explaining the reasons behind the decisions.

"It is very unfortunate that this decision has been reached," Sulaimán said.

"It affects boxers, promoters and trainers from those countries.

"But Ukraine has had to suspend all boxing activity with this invasion.

"There is a war on their soil and their sports facilities have been destroyed.

"It is something that is hurting the whole world, we feel very, very sad about it.

"We have to hope and wish for peace.

"This decision is now inspired by the WBC's stance against apartheid.

"That implied discrimination, abuse of power and human dignity.

"This is a measure of the whole world.

"It is not a person, a federation or a group.

"The more than 100 affiliated with the WBC seek peace.

"We are fighting for justice."

The four professional boxing governing bodies - the WBC, International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association (WBA) - all insisted they will not stage events in Russia shortly after the invasion of Ukraine.

However, the WBA has permitted boxers from both countries to compete in title fights, with the Saint Petersburg-based Dmitry Bivol defending his light heavyweight crown on Saturday (November 5) against Mexico's Gilberto Ramírez.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has courted controversy by permitting the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to its competitions - although they are yet to do so.

This contradicts the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and came following the IBA Extraordinary Congress in Yerevan, where delegates voted against Russian President Umar Kremlev facing a fresh leadership election.

Boxing is one of only two Olympic sports actively led by a Russian official, but the IBA - formerly known as AIBA - has had its recognition suspended by the IOC since 2019, and faces a battle to preserve the sport's place at Los Angeles 2028.

insidethegames has asked the IBA for a comment on the WBC's stance.