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Victor Petkov
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World Boxing hopes for IOC recognition before LA 2028
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The federation wants to replace the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA)

World Boxing is seeking recognition from Olympic organizers to replace the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), aiming to ensure the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the emerging organization announced on Wednesday.

Last June, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revoked recognition of the IBA, citing its failure to implement necessary reforms in governance, finance, and ethics. The boxing events at the Paris Games are currently being managed by the IOC, but sports director Kit McConnell recently emphasized that the situation cannot persist.

“This must be the last time that such a process can be undertaken by the IOC,” McConnell stated. “Following the decision by the IOC Session last year, the inclusion of boxing in the LA28 Olympic program is on hold and not confirmed. If there is no boxing body supported and driven by the National Federations, we will not be in a position to include boxing in the Olympic program.”

McConnell clarified that the responsibility lies with national federations to establish such a body, emphasizing that the IBA would not be involved in organizing boxing at the 2028 Games if the sport is included.

World Boxing, established in April last year, elected former Dutch federation head Boris van der Vorst as its inaugural president in November. In response to the IOC’s comments, the organization stressed the urgency for boxing federations to unite and support a new international federation immediately to ensure the sport’s Olympic presence.

“World Boxing will seek recognition from the IOC,” the organization stated. “Should it choose to engage with us, we are committed to working constructively and collaboratively with national federations and all stakeholders to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s place on the Olympic program at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.”

According to the IOC, 188 boxers from 56 National Olympic Committees have secured their spots for the Paris Games so far. The final world qualifying tournament is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from May 25 to June 2, offering 51 quota places.

World Boxing currently boasts 27 national federations from every continent involved in Olympic-style boxing as members, including the United States.