It was on Monday that Wada concluded that Russia must not use its name, flag or national anthem for the next four years, with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics closest. And when the boxing union secretary general Umar Kremlev talked to the Olympic boxing team in Russia, it was a united front he met.

- They said we must not go without our flag or national anthem. We do not go for the medals, but for that feeling of taking home the highest honor for my country, he tells AP.

"Why are we being punished"

At the same time, the Russian Parliament states that discussions are underway to create its own alternative to the Olympics. And Kremlev believes that Russian boxers would prefer to become professionals instead of continuing to be amateurs and participate in the Olympics.

- A world champion in boxing is more well-known than an Olympic champion, says Kremlev.

- If other sports are guilty and have violated the rules, why are we being punished? We are too honest sports and against doping. We want our sport to be clean. If someone breaks the rules, we will oust them.