The International Boxing Association (IBA) strongly criticizes the IOC’s attempt to violate the independence of National Federations who hold a current IBA membership. The letter sent to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) on 30 September is a testament to the IOC’s outrageous political games; the IBAs this deeply disappointing, and on the verge of sporting blackmail. IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE sent a letter to the NOCs reflecting IBA’s position on the matter.

The IBA reiterates that we have no issues with the Olympic movement, we respect its values, and boxing is an integral part of that. The tension between the IBA and the IOC was caused by a conflict with the IOC leadership, who have consistently put their own political agenda above those of the Olympic values and vision. For the IBA, it is totally unacceptable, as we put our athletes and coaches, officials and members at the very heart of our core business.

The unprecedented pressure from the IOC towards those NOCs is classed as ‘direct interference’ to independent IBA members’ agendas, who expressed their democratic will to be part of the IBA and a democratically elected President that they trust.  

We urge our National Federations to remain calm, and not to follow these ‘gaslighting’ intentions of the IOC, who wants to damage boxing. With an attempt to influence members behind the scenes, is not the way we would expect this organisation to operation.

The IBA, established in 1946, cannot be compared with any other existing boxing entity. We have years of history and tradition, subject matter expertise, a stable financial position, along with athletes, coaches and dedicated fans supporting us.

We are sharing the Olympic values, and, unlike the IOC, we are fighting for the Olympic principles. Our goal is not to make money on those athletes, coaches and National Federations, but to serve them.

The IBA is united and strong in the fight for boxing to thrive and to develop. This letter to the NOCs is a clear example of gross interference into the IBA Family internal affairs. Boxing has been a part of the ancient Olympic Games in 688 BC, and the long history cannot be wiped out by a political game of a few short-sighted people. How so few, can impact on so many is a disgrace.

Advocating for a transition to any other organization that cannot ensure the development of the sport, due to a lack of funding and managerial competence is a subversive attempt to destroy the history of one of the oldest Olympic sports and to undermine its future.

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