If you're the Sports Minister in Chechnya, you have to learn to go with the punches, especially if they come from the head of the republic Ramzan Kadyrov.
On a recent visit to the Sports Ministry, the President of the southern Russian republic was unhappy with what he saw, and decided to take on minister Salambek Ismailov in the ring.
Gloved up the pair sparred, working up a sweat, and ironing out their differences.
“As promised, I’ve conducted an educational talk with the Sports and Culture Minister – in the ring. In the course of our dialogue (or, more accurately, sparring), I pointed out with a right and a left hook, gently and unassumingly, I explained to him in simple terms that one should use his head,” Kadyrov wrote in the comment to pictures he posted on Instagram.
Kadyrov says the building was shabby and something needed to be
done. “The minister has already started to correct his mistakes
today, so I allowed him to wear a helmet. He still has to work
tomorrow,” he wrote.
Watching anxiously ringside were the Labour Minister Mohmad
Ahmadov, and Minister for Social Development Maksim Topilin, who
are next in line said President Kadyrov jokingly, “We’ll see
after tomorrow’s meeting whether Ahmadov will be punished in the
ring as well.”