Boxing, a cornerstone of the Olympic tradition, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, ranging from governance scandals to gender inequality and controversies over judging. These issues have led to significant intervention by the International Olympic Committee, which has actively sought to reshape the sport’s future. The establishment of World Boxing in 2023 stands as a pivotal moment, marking a potential turning point for Olympic boxing in response to years of turmoil.
The crisis within the International Boxing Association began to unravel in 2018 during the controversial presidency of Gafur Rakhimov, whose leadership prompted the IOC to suspend the IBA in 2019. Despite subsequent reforms under Umar Kremlev, the IBA failed to meet the IOC’s stringent standards for transparency and governance. This failure led the IOC to withdraw recognition of the IBA in 2023, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The CAS ruling reinforced the IOC’s stance on the need for good governance, financial integrity, and athlete-centered administration. It also sent a strong message: without significant reform, boxing’s place in the Olympic Games could be at risk.
AN UNFINISHED ARGUMENT
Governance was not the IBA’s only failing. Gender equality remains a significant challenge within boxing. Although women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympic program in 2012, disparities in funding, representation, and opportunities persist. The IBA’s inconsistent efforts to address these disparities only deepened the IOC’s concerns.
The IOC has made gender equality a priority, pushing for fairer treatment of female athletes. This issue has become central to boxing’s survival as an Olympic sport, underscoring the need for an organization committed to genuine progress in this area.
Against this backdrop, World Boxing was established in 2023 under the leadership of Boris van der Vorst. The organization aims to address the governance failings of the IBA while promoting gender equality and athlete representation. Supported by several national federations, WB is positioning itself as a credible alternative, seeking IOC recognition to ensure boxing’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
During a recent IOC Executive Board meeting in Lausanne, IOC President Thomas Bach described World Boxing as the only viable provisional international federation for the sport. However, the road ahead is far from straightforward. WB faces significant challenges, including limited resources, an undeveloped competition calendar, and an organizational structure that still requires substantial improvement.
In previous articles, I have repeatedly highlighted the absence of a concrete plan and strategy within World Boxing, as well as the limited racing program it has announced—an approach that diminishes its appeal and inadvertently strengthens the International Boxing Association, which continues to attract the majority of national federations. The WB urgently requires additional human resources and expert support to craft a compelling vision and establish itself as a credible entity within the global boxing community. While the International Olympic Committee has provided consistent backing, this alone is insufficient. The WB must address its internal deficiencies and prepare for the challenges that will follow any potential provisional recognition. Without a solid foundation, provisional recognition risks exacerbating their vulnerabilities, potentially leading to disarray and another chapter of instability for the sport
THE NEED FOR URGENCY AND EXPERTISE
While World Boxing has the IOC’s support, this alone will not suffice. To solidify its position, WB must urgently strengthen its internal operations, recruit experienced professionals, and design a comprehensive plan that appeals to the global boxing community. Failure to do so risks allowing the IBA to maintain its dominance, given its support from a majority of national federations.
Even provisional recognition by the IOC is not a solution in itself. Without adequate preparation for the responsibilities that follow, World Boxing could face internal instability, jeopardizing its long-term goals. As the sport stands at a crossroads, WB’s ability to present a credible alternative will determine whether boxing avoids a return to the controversies of the past.
Boxing’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics hinges on World Boxing’s ability to rise to the occasion. The organization must address its structural weaknesses, expand its competition framework, and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and equality. The future of Olympic boxing depends on decisive action, ensuring the sport remains true to its rich tradition while embracing a new era of accountability and inclusivity.
World Boxing has a unique opportunity to rebuild trust in the sport, but the clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.
