IBA has been actively supporting the African continent since early 2021, as well as AFBC and its President Mr Eyassu Wossen from his election in November 2023. Following last year being declared the Year of Africa, many development initiatives for the continent were implemented. Six courses for R&Js, ITOs, and Cut Technicians were delivered within the continent, with participants from various countries, along with two courses for French-speaking North Africa and several online Coaches courses.

The IBA allocated $400,000 for the development of AFBC in 2024, and earlier $300,000 was paid as a part of the Financial Support Program (FSP). Since 2021, 27 National Federations of the continent received almost $500,000 in cash, logistics costs, and value-in-kind support within the FSP.

After 5-year hiatus, the AFBC African Boxing Championships was revived with the 2022 edition in Maputo, Mozambique with a $470,000 prize fund, and in 2023 the event took place in Yaounde, Cameroon with $865,000 at stake. In 2024, the Mandela African Boxing Cup took place in Durban, South Africa, with a $222,500 prize fund. IBA supported the organization of all these events.

Prize money was introduced for the continental events from 2022. Almost $2 million was allocated to medallists of the latest continental tournaments, and payments to the boxers are almost concluded.

In an interview with Insidethegames, AFBC President Eyassu Wossen talked about his development plan for the continent, current challenges and way forward to further successes.

‘The AFBC acknowledges the current challenges faced by the IBA and the concerns raised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). We believe in the potential for positive change and are committed to working collaboratively with the IBA to address these issues. Our focus is on ensuring the continued development of boxing in Africa and globally while advocating for reforms that will strengthen the sport’s governance and integrity.’

AFBC President admitted that IBA has recognized the governance and operational issues highlighted by the IOC and is actively taking steps to address them.

‘Initiatives are underway to enhance transparency, improve the refereeing and judging processes, and reduce financial dependencies that have previously raised concerns. The IBA is working diligently to implement these changes, aiming to restore confidence in its ability to govern the sport effectively,’ he claimed.

Mr Wossen added that AFBC is taking an active part in preparing boxers of the continent for Paris 2024.

‘We are focusing on providing athletes with enhanced training camps, opportunities to compete in international tournaments, and access to top coaches. Our goal is to ensure that our athletes are fully prepared and can perform at their best in the Olympic arena. We are employing a multi-faceted strategy to maximize Olympic performance and medal prospects. This includes targeted training regimens, advanced sports science support, and psychological coaching. We are also investing in technology for performance analysis and focusing on developing well-rounded athletes who are physically, mentally, and tactically prepared for competition.’

Development programs are underway in Africa in order to nurture young talents.

‘We have established regional training camps and talent identification programs that help identify and develop emerging talent. Our youth championships provide a competitive platform for young boxers to showcase their skills. Additionally, we collaborate with local schools and community organizations to integrate boxing into sports curricula, creating a steady pipeline of young athletes. Grassroots development is a fundamental aspect of our strategy. We support grassroots boxing through financial assistance, equipment donations, and coaching clinics. By working closely with national federations, we develop community-based programs that make boxing accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. This approach helps us foster a love for the sport and identify potential champions from a young age.’

The Confederation supports its athletes by providing scholarships for training and participation in international events, as well as organizing career development workshops and mentorship programs for athletes to plan for their future beyond boxing.

‘Ensuring the welfare and safety of our athletes is a top priority. We have implemented strict safety protocols, including mandatory medical examinations, concussion management, and mental health support. We also provide education on nutrition, injury prevention, and financial management. Additionally, we offer support services to assist athletes with their well-being outside of competition,’ Wossen said.

Speaking about long-term strategic goals, the AFBC President mentioned that he is going to “establish Africa as a powerhouse in international boxing, increase participation rates across the continent, and achieve sustainable development of the sport.”

‘We aim to create a robust infrastructure for boxing from grassroots to elite levels and ensure that African boxers have the resources and support needed for global success. We plan to enhance our influence by building strong relationships with international boxing bodies, securing sponsorships, and leveraging media to promote the sport. Our efforts also include developing strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector entities, and educational institutions to broaden the reach and impact of our programs.’

AFBC President continued, ‘We work closely with national boxing federations to standardize coaching practices, implement development programs, and organize competitions. We conduct regular workshops and training seminars to enhance the skills of coaches and officials, aiming to create a cohesive framework that supports the growth and development of boxing across Africa.’

He also mentioned the challenges Africa faces.

‘The biggest challenges include securing adequate funding, navigating international sports governance, and addressing infrastructure deficits. We are addressing these challenges by seeking sponsorships, advocating for support from government bodies, and investing in grassroots development to build a solid foundation for the future. Opportunities for growth include tapping into the continent’s vast talent pool, increasing visibility through media and social platforms, and leveraging boxing’s global appeal to attract investment. The rising popularity of combat sports and the success of African athletes internationally also present significant opportunities to inspire the next generation of boxers,’ Wossen said.

Read the full interview here.