In 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a significant decision that sent shockwaves through the world of boxing: the exclusion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic Games. This bold move was a clear response to growing concerns about the integrity of the sport and the need to protect the rights of boxers, ensuring they are not denied the opportunity to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage. By stepping in to organize boxing events for the Paris Olympics, the IOC took a commendable step toward preserving the sport’s integrity. Yet, the controversies that followed—from questionable refereeing to broader issues within the competitions—highlighted the pressing need for a new, cohesive, and robust federation to oversee amateur boxing at both the Olympic and continental levels.
The creation of a new governing body is not just desirable—it is essential. But this new entity must be fundamentally different from the IBA. To truly serve the sport, the federation must be untainted by past politics and committed to a forward-looking vision for boxing. However, the formation of World Boxing (WB), a parallel organization spearheaded by individuals who were ousted from the IBA, raises serious concerns. While WB aspires to replace the IBA in the Olympic Games, it seems unlikely to address the deeper, systemic issues that have plagued boxing for years. Instead, there is a real risk that WB could simply become a rebranded version of its predecessor, without implementing the necessary reforms that the sport so desperately needs.
BOTH THE IBA AND WB ARE LIKE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN
The current tension and friction in the world of boxing cannot be dismissed with superficial optimism or misplaced idealism. Both the IBA and WB are like two sides of the same coin, each fiercely competing for legitimacy from the International Olympic Committee. In their pursuit of recognition, neither organization has hesitated to employ questionable, and at times, unethical tactics. A glaring example of this is WB’s use of the name “World Boxing,” a trademark that actually belongs to the IBA. This blatant disregard for intellectual property rights speaks volumes about the lengths to which these organizations are willing to go to secure their positions.
Navigating these turbulent waters is IOC President Thomas Bach, who has faced significant challenges in preparing for the Paris Summer Games. Bach has worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort and safety of athletes in an increasingly uncertain environment. His recent announcement that boxing will remain part of the Los Angeles Olympics was met with widespread relief, offering a glimmer of hope for the sport’s future. However, Bach also stressed the importance of unity and cohesion within the sport—qualities that are essential for its long-term health and success.
With the spotlight now on World Boxing, a crucial question emerges: can this new organization be trusted to lead when its leadership has been deeply involved in the very problems it now claims to want to fix? The formation of WB, largely composed of individuals who were integral to the IBA’s previous administration, suggests that it may struggle to provide the fresh perspective and clean slate that boxing so desperately needs. Furthermore, WB’s appeal appears limited, particularly outside of Europe, and it has yet to establish itself as a true global leader in boxing.
THOSE WITH A GENUINE STAKE IN THE SPORT WILL DEFINE THE FUTURE OF BOXING
For boxing to thrive, unity and future growth must be cultivated from within the sport itself. There are still strong bonds among those who are genuinely committed to revitalizing boxing, but many of the individuals currently proposing solutions seem to lack a deep understanding of the complex and challenging path that lies ahead. How can the future of boxing be entrusted to those who were part of the problem in the first place?
The future of boxing hinges on leadership that is free from past controversies and genuinely dedicated to the sport’s long-term health and success. World Boxing, as it stands, must confront its own history and the role its leaders have played in boxing’s struggles. Only by doing so can it hope to offer the kind of leadership that the sport urgently needs.
As boxing looks toward the Los Angeles Olympics and beyond, the need for a governing body that is both capable and credible has never been more pressing. The sport’s future depends on it.
