Coach Marc Ramsay is going through a situation that is not easy. In the past few hours, three of his boxers have been affected, directly or indirectly, by new sanctions from world boxing bodies.
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Unified champion Artur Beterbiev and heavyweights Arslanbek Makhmudov and Oscar Rivas saw their careers take a new turn.
While it will be difficult for Beterbiev to defend his belts, Makhmudov has lost his place in the WBO and WBA rankings. The Russian giant holds a minor title (NABA) from the latter association.
“For us who work hard and for those like Camille (Estephan) who invest large sums in careers, it is disappointing, mentioned Marc Ramsay during a telephone interview. Everything that happens goes beyond the sporting context.
“In any way, we are trying to put pressure on the Russian regime. All manners are justified. I understand.
“At the same time, I’m really skeptical. Will the suspensions of professional athletes have a real influence on the political decisions of (Vladimir) Putin? For the moment, we are suffering and we cannot do anything.
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Marc Ramsay
In patient mode
Ramsay had a chat with Makhmudov in the last hours. He will also do it with Beterbiev when he returns from the United States.
“For Makhmudov, there is no panic. We just finished a fight, added Ramsay. We will look at the direction that the situation will take. We will be patient.”
Putin’s political decisions are not a regular topic of discussion in Ramsay’s gymnasium. It should also be noted that Makhmudov and Beterbiev have not been in training since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As for Rivas, he will have a big name ahead of him when he makes his first defense of his WBC welterweight title in June.
“I don’t know if not facing Evgeny Romanov will improve our lot. When you are world champion, you have to face the music. Whether it’s Romanov or someone else, we’ll prepare accordingly.”