He had to apologize: Chechen boxer expressed desire to compete under US flag, causing hysteria in Russia

Russian middleweight boxer Bakhram Murtazaliev (19-0, 14 KOs) complained that he could not fight under the Russian flag. The 30-year-old native of Grozny suggested that he could fight under the American flag, which turned into a scandal for him.

Murtazaliev said this in an interview with Mma.metaratings.ru. The Chechen added that boxers from the aggressor country faced not only a ban on national symbols but also the anthem of the Russian terrorist state that unleashed a criminal war against Ukraine.

"The phrase I said about the American flag was a joke in a personal conversation. I didn't realize that it would cause a scandal. I love my homeland and I didn't even think about representing the United States. I would like to come out with the Russian flag, but unfortunately, it is still prohibited. During title fights, the anthem is played, but it hasn't been allowed in recent years. In any case, it will be my sincere wish to please every Russian citizen with my victory," Murtazaliev said.

Earlier, Stanislava Komarova, vice-champion of the 2004 Olympics in swimming, called Russian athletes who agreed to compete under a neutral flag "a disgrace".

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Vladimir Sengleev, CEO of the Russian Olympic Committee, accused the International Olympic Committee of not paying Russian athletes.

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