The International Boxing Association (IBA) welcomes the democratic decision of the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Congress delegates to remain with the IBA. This decision reflects the years of IBA’s hard work invested in boxing development worldwide and true unity of the IBA Boxing Family.

Pluralism of opinions means true democracy, and the IBA appreciates the variety of views from National Federations. However, the majority decides, and IBA supports the decision taken.

No efforts remain unnoticed, and the IBA appreciates every National Federation‘s hard work towards bringing boxing to new heights in each country. IBA, in turn, commits to supporting our National Federations in their endeavours with actions, not words. The IBA has all resources, including methodology, know-how and finances, to develop boxing worldwide.

Politically motivated intentions to join World Boxing backed by some members are reckless. There is no rationale in joining an organization that has no intention for boxing to thrive but only pursues personal ambitions of their leadership. A move towards World Boxing will undoubtedly damage the sport in those respective countries, the thesis confirmed by the performance of World Boxing nations in Paris 2024.

The IBA is well aware that NOCs, being under pressure from the IOC, are making politically motivated campaigns in their respective countries by putting pressure on National Federations to leave the IBA. First and foremost, it is an intervention in the independent organization’s work, not to mention that threats to cut the financing should the National Federations stay with the IBA are going against the athletes’ well-being. They deprive their own athletes of opportunities that IBA provides.

World Boxing, to tell the truth, has no finances, expertise and support to organize any proper major events, no means to support their members and no intention to develop boxing. They claim that they want to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympics, fair enough; that said, they do not care about the development of the sport in the countries, grassroots boxing, performance path of the athletes. They have no program, no vision – just a standalone idea of boxing being at the Olympics. That may sound powerful, but in fact, it is not enough for boxing to be a successful sport. Boxing cannot survive without World Championships and continental events, without competitions for elite, youth and junior age groups. World Boxing can guarantee nothing; the IBA in turn can show actions supporting every word said. We work hard in support of grassroots boxing, while giving elite boxers opportunities to excel as amateurs and professionals both.

IBA remains the one and only Home of Boxing, which welcomes its National Federations, athletes and coaches. Any attempts to leave IBA will only lead to disappointment and regression of boxing in the country.

The IBA calls National Federations to make decisions carefully, as there will be no way for a U-turn, should a federation decide to leave. The IBA remains committed to supporting its athletes, coaches and National Federations.

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Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport

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