By Matt Bozeat
The World Boxing Association is urging additional countries to join their efforts in preserving boxing’s presence in the Olympic Games.
This week, the International Olympic Committee convened its inaugural meeting with World Boxing.
On Monday, representatives convened at the Olympic House headquarters of the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Currently, boxing is not included in the schedule for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
After prohibiting IBA, the IOC has arranged the qualifying event for the upcoming Games in Paris. However, they have emphasized that this arrangement is not sustainable, highlighting the necessity for a new International Federation to oversee the sport.
Since its launch in April, World Boxing has successfully organized three World Boxing Cup events in Germany, England, and the United States. As a result, membership has consistently increased.
During a recent press conference, World Boxing announced that they currently have 28 members. Secretary General Simon Toulson stated that they are currently engaged in discussions with approximately 25 to 30 countries, with another group of countries following closely behind.
President Boris van der Vorst informed the media that World Boxing had the opportunity to engage with the IOC regarding the future of the sport. Their initial meeting took place this week.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that a new International Federation must be established by “early 2025.”
The IOC emphasized that the new International Federation must obtain the backing of a worldwide association of National Federations. Additionally, they must demonstrate effective governance and strong leadership in the sport, in order for the IOC to contemplate reintroducing boxing in the 2028 Olympics program.
Following the meeting, Van der Vorst emphasized the urgent need for boxing nations interested in future Olympic Games participation to promptly demonstrate their dedication and support for the Olympic Games by joining World Boxing and preserving the sport’s presence in the Olympics.
If boxing were to lose its Olympic status, it would be a nightmare scenario for us.
During the press conference, it was revealed that Ukraine, known for its rich Olympic boxing legacy, had not yet submitted its application to become a part of World Boxing. Presently, Mongolia and the Philippines stood as the sole Asian nations with membership, whereas Nigeria remained the only African country involved.
Toulson emphasized that the applications from Asian and African countries were being processed.
