ASOIF excludes International Boxing Association, calls for new organisation

The world of boxing is facing a major shakeup as the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) has decided to exclude the International Boxing Association (IBA) and is calling for a new organization to take over the sport’s global duties. This decision comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stripped the IBA of recognition last year due to its failure to complete necessary reforms in governance, finance, and ethical issues.

Despite the IBA’s appeal being rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the IOC has urged national boxing federations and national Olympic committees to find a new partner international federation by next year to ensure the sport’s place in the Olympics.

ASOIF president Francesco Ricci Bitti emphasized the importance of finding an alternative organization to oversee boxing, stating, “Boxing is a very important sport.” The upcoming boxing tournaments at the Paris 2024 Games will be organized by the IOC, but the Olympic body has made it clear that they cannot continue to do so in the future.

Rival body World Boxing is vying for recognition from Olympic organizers to replace the IBA and keep boxing on the program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Ricci Bitti expressed hope that the new organization chosen by the IOC will be representative of the national bodies involved in the sport.

The IBA, while disappointed by the ASOIF decision, remains committed to the sport of boxing and its athletes. In a statement, the IBA expressed their dedication to boxing as they embark on a journey to regain recognition.

As the boxing world awaits the IOC’s decision on a new international federation, the future of the sport hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.