I Have Defended Our Flag, Now I Need Your Help: Canadian-Armenian Boxer Appeals to Armenian Authorities

26-year-old Canadian-Armenian boxer Erik Bazinian, who has not suffered a defeat in his career, has written an open letter to the citizens and officials of Armenia. The athlete, who holds two championship belts in the super middleweight category from WBA and WBO organizations, stated that he has not been in his homeland for 10 years and cannot come to Armenia because he is wanted for evading military service.

"Despite the fact that I live in Canada, I always entered the ring under the flag of Armenia and always kept our flag and the name of the Armenian high," said Bazinian.

The boxer mentioned that he has repeatedly appealed to senior Armenian officials to be absolved of criminal liability, but has been denied. "I am appealing to all Armenian officials, asking for the opportunity to return to my homeland. I am ready to fulfill all obligations prescribed by law in favor of our army," Bazinian wrote.

However, he noted that even with the greatest desire, he could not leave his family, his 3-year-old son, and abandon his successful sports career to return to Armenia to serve in the military.