Chris Van Heerden’s Girlfriend Released From Russian Detention
Chris Van Heerden has had some positive news after his girlfriend, Ksenia Karelina, is no longer doing time in a Russian penal colony.
Van Heerden’s world was turned upside down when his girlfriend was arrested after making a visit to Russia to visit her family. She was charged with treason on the grounds of donating $50 to a Ukrainian charity. It was alleged that the charity had links with “the purchase of tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces.” The charge was not proven to be true in the courts, but Karelina ended up doing time for a year.
Van Heerden also announced his retirement from the sport. He ended his career with a 28-3-1 record. His last ever fight was a stoppage loss to Conor Benn. The result was hard to take as Benn later tested positive for Clomiphene, which is a substance known for masking PEDs. The loss ended his hopes of a world title shot, as he had racked up five consecutive wins before this. Understandably, Van Heerden’s mind was focused elsewhere.
Van Heerden’s Future
“While I acknowledge that I was good, I never claimed to be great. However, what truly defined my experience was the bond that boxing created between me and my father. It was our shared passion, and it connected us in a way that I will forever cherish. Losing him left a void in my heart; with it, the fire that once fueled my passion for the sport has dimmed.
“As I step away from this brutal yet beautiful occupation, I take with me the lessons, the friendships, and the memories that have shaped me into the man I am today. It is time for me to say farewell, respecting the sport that has given me so much while acknowledging that my journey has reached its natural conclusion,” Van Heerden said
Reaction
The boxer now has received a massive boost after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that President Trump helped secure her release. This was after a deal was made for a prisoner swap from both sides, putting an end to the recent ordeal that the Van Heerden family had gone through. The family will now focus on the next stages of their lives.
“Karelina was wrongfully detained by Russia for over a year. President Trump secured her exoneration and will continue to work for the release of all Americans,” Rubio said
“Today, President Trump brought home another wrongfully detained American from Russia. I’m proud of the CIA officers who worked tirelessly to support this effort, and we appreciate the government of UAE for enabling the exchange,” John Ratcliffe (CIA director) stated
“Petrov was exchanged for US citizen Ksenia Karelina, who also holds Russian citizenship and was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony for treason in the form of financial assistance to a foreign state. We express our gratitude to the UAE leadership for their assistance,” FSB
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