In an interview published Monday in ‘The Guardian’, Boris van der Vorst, president and co-founder of World Boxing, shared his thoughts following boxing’s return to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program, a decision announced during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, last week. The achievement comes after the International Olympic Committee recognized World Boxing as the sport’s new governing body, replacing the discredited International Boxing Association (IBA).
“I feel it’s a very sweet week and, of course, I’m very happy and proud,” Van der Vorst said. “A little over two years ago, boxing had been removed from the initial program of the Los Angeles 2028 Games and was on the verge of being kicked out of the Olympic Movement altogether.” It was then that Van der Vorst began work on creating a new regulatory body that could meet IOC standards.
A PRIVILEGE FOR BOXING, NOT A RIGHT
The effort bore fruit when Thomas Bach, outgoing IOC president, announced that his Executive Board had recommended the inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles Games, with the condition that World Boxing be recognized as the sport’s governing body. The recommendation was accepted last Thursday, marking boxing’s return to the Olympic Movement. “It’s a privilege, not a right,” Van der Vorst stresses. “We still need to prove to the IOC that we are the most credible international organization, that we can organize the competition and guarantee financial stability. We have the governance policies in place to maintain the high standards they demand.”
Van der Vorst stressed that one of the biggest challenges facing World Boxing is addressing the controversy over gender eligibility, a divisive and complex issue. “In a matter of weeks, not months,” he assured ‘The Guardian’, a policy on the matter will be confirmed, working in conjunction with a medical group and scientific experts. “The priority is sporting integrity and safety,” he added.
The World Boxing president also acknowledged the support of federations such as those of the United States and Great Britain, which played a key role in the creation of the new body. “I have not been a lone savior,” stressing the importance of teamwork. Although Van der Vorst has been the driving force behind this initiative, leading the organization in record time.
A NECESSARY CHANGE
Van der Vorst recalled a defining moment at the Rio 2016 Olympics, when he witnessed a controversial refereeing decision in which Ireland’s Michael Conlan, the world number one, lost unfairly to Russia’s Vladimir Nikitin. “I was at the Conlan fight and it wasn’t right. I like boxing, but I also like fair play. It is crucial that, after every fight, the hand of the best boxer is raised, not the hand of the most influential country.”
Professor Richard McLaren’s report, published in 2021, confirmed systemic corruption in amateur boxing, with referees and judges manipulating results. This scandal motivated Van der Vorst to become politically involved in the sport and eventually to challenge Russia’s Umar Kremlev, president of the IBA and a close ally of Vladimir Putin. “I was always surprised to be the only one who stood up to Kremlev. I never felt alone, though. I received support and inspiration from people in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and elsewhere,” he admits to the British newspaper.
THE CREATION OF WORLD BOXING
After being blocked in his attempts to run for the IBA presidency, Van der Vorst focused on the creation of World Boxing. “It was crucial that boxing remained in the Olympic Movement and we needed to align ourselves with its values.” In April 2023, World Boxing was officially launched, and in December of the same year, the organization held its first inaugural congress in Frankfurt, where Van der Vorst was elected president with 27 founding members. Today, World Boxing has 88 national federations.
Van der Vorst, who had previously been a successful businessman in the health sector, has put aside his professional interests to devote himself entirely to World Boxing. “It’s totally impossible to stay in business while doing this job. I’ve invested a lot in World Boxing and I’m completely dedicated.”
WORLD BOXING, A FAMILY (LITERALLY)
The support of his family has been critical. “My wife designed the World Boxing logo, my daughter did some promotional videos and my other daughter helped me with my English. They all contributed to the success of World Boxing,” he commented with a smile, proving that being a big family applies even in these kinds of details.
Van der Vorst concluded the interview by stressing that World Boxing’s goal is to “keep the Olympic dream alive for every boxing gym in the world.” And, while he is pleased with boxing’s return to the Olympics, he warned that “the real work starts now.”
