IOC Provisionally Accepts World Boxing as New International Federation
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The IOC has provisionally recognized World Boxing as the official governing body for boxing, allowing its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after suspending the IBA. This recognition follows World Boxing's compliance with the required criteria and commitment to governance and integrity.
Key Takeaways
- World Boxing has received provisional recognition from the IOC.
- This recognition is crucial for boxing's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- World Boxing has support from 78 national federations.
- It fulfills governance and integrity standards.
- Boxers affiliated with World Boxing are a significant majority at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lausanne, Feb 26 (NationPress) - The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally acknowledged World Boxing (WB) as the International Federation (IF) responsible for overseeing the sport of boxing globally. This decision paves the way for boxing's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following the IOC's suspension of the International Boxing Association (IBA) prior to the Tokyo Olympics and the management of boxing events in the last two Games.
Upon reviewing World Boxing's status, it was confirmed that it has met the criteria for IF recognition, complying with the requirements set forth by 78 national federations and four continental federations, as well as securing support from a majority of boxers.
World Boxing is made up of 78 National Federations from all five continents, with four continental confederations already established. The IOC noted that 62 percent of the boxers and 58 percent of the medalists in boxing for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are affiliated with national federations that belong to World Boxing.
The IOC's statement highlighted that World Boxing is committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport, implementing a sports integrity process for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games through the Paris Boxing Unit and independent oversight. Additionally, it has received AIMS membership, sanctioned by the SportAccord Executive Committee and the AIMS General Assembly. The IOC expressed satisfaction with World Boxing's governance structure and documentation, as well as its proactive approach to improving governance standards.
World Boxing also assured the IOC regarding its revenue generation strategy, based on multi-year commercial partnerships from 2025-2028. Previously, ambiguity in revenue generation was a significant factor in the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA. Furthermore, World Boxing has successfully obtained World Anti-Doping Code Signatory Status, endorsed by WADA, and has fully implemented a contract with the International Testing Agency (ITA).
The IOC concluded that World Boxing has made significant strides in addressing the areas required for provisional recognition as the IF governing boxing within the Olympic Movement.
In 2023, the IOC revoked the IBA's recognition due to inadequate reforms in governance and finance. In 2019, the IOC had already stripped the IBA of its rights to manage boxing during the Olympics. The IOC's boxing task force managed competitions at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games but decided against assuming this duty for the LA 2028 event.
With the provisional recognition of World Boxing, a significant obstacle to boxing's inclusion in the LA28 Games has been successfully navigated.
