Chris Van Heerden’s girlfriend, Ksenia Karelina, must serve twelve years in a Russian penal colony following sentencing on Thursday.
Karelina, 33, pleaded guilty to treason last week after being arrested in February during a trip back to her homeland. The Russian-born ballerina, who became a US citizen in 2021, was found to have donated $50 to Ukrainian aid after arresting officers searched her phone.
Upon being detained, prosecutors argued that Karelina’s donation had been used to fund the Ukrainian residence to Russia’s invasion. A judge was asked this week to sentence Karelina to fifteen years, which was confirmed to be three years lighter at today’s hearing.
Van Heerden and Karelina had been enjoying a blossoming relationship in Los Angeles until a fateful day split them apart, possibly for years.
Ksenia Karelina freedom swap
Ironically, Karelina’s case was held in the same court as Evan Gershkovich, a journalist accused of espionage who the United States traded in a recent freedom deal. According to Karelina’s representation, a similar request will be made on behalf of Van Heerden’s partner, hoping she can return to the US in the coming weeks.
Karelina’s prison sentence begins just hours after Van Heerden announced his retirement from boxing. The South African, 37, aims to ensure Karelina’s release after he has been out of the ring for two years since his last fight.
‘The Heat’ said, “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, and 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 lost his father to murder in 2018 and just over three years later suffered his latest personal body blow.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
