Israel-Iran Hostilities Affecting Jewish Boxers

The fallout from the current Israeli-Iranian conflict has affected the world of boxing. Not only did the hostilities force Igor Lazarev to forego a big opportunity in Canada this week, but it has impacted Brooklyn "The Big Deal" Barwick's merchandise as well. She was advised by a third party that an international warehouse would not make her merchandise if it contained "any Israeli flags or anything alluding to Judaism." She was told that it would be "destroyed in transit by workers."

Barwick, who wore an Israeli flag on her trunks last fight, is devastated. "It hurts," she told The Jewish Boxing Blog. "Censoring the Star of David is wrong. I wouldn't care if the opposite side had their symbols because it's what they represent. I proudly represent a lot of things and respect others who represent their culture and religious beliefs." As of this writing, a ceasefire is holding between Israel and Iran. The hope is the ceasefire will help usher in a swift end to the conflict.

A junior featherweight, Barwick is scheduled to fight on August 16. She is 2-0 with 2 KOs.