2025

World Boxing welcomes decision by IOC to include boxing at LA28

World Boxing has welcomed the decision by the 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include boxing on the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).

The decision follows the recent decision by the Executive Board of the IOC to grant World Boxing provisional recognition as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

The two decisions mean that World Boxing will be the IF responsible for organising the qualification pathway and the boxing tournament at LA28.

Welcoming the news that boxing would be included at LA28, the President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “This is great day for boxers, boxing and everyone connected with our sport, at every level, across the world.

“This outcome has been achieved by a massive team effort by a huge number of people in every part of the world and would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of all of the National Federations, boxers, coaches, officials and boxing leaders that have worked together to enable this to happen. I would like to personally thank each and every one of them for their support and determination to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

“World Boxing is very grateful to the IOC for the faith they have placed in our organisation by restoring boxing to the programme for LA2028, and I can reassure them that we will do everything in our power to ensure that we operate to the highest standards of governance and transparency and deliver sporting integrity.

“World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and we are determined to be a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Movement.

“There is still a lot of work to do, and everyone at World Boxing is committed to continuing to work together and doing everything within our power to deliver a better future for our boxers and for our sport.”

The Chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission, Gennadiy Golovkin, who secured a silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 before going on to win the middleweight world title on two occasions, added: “The IOC decision to include boxing in the Los Angeles Olympics is a long-awaited result of the focused efforts and work of World Boxing and our entire Olympic Commission. This means that we have managed to preserve the dream that inspires thousands of athletes around the world. As an Olympian, I understand how important this is for future generations of champions. The Olympic Games are not just competitions, they are a symbol of hope, striving for excellence and an opportunity to show the world what you are capable of.

“Step by step, we did everything to preserve boxing with its rich history and traditions in the Olympic program, so that every young athlete would have the opportunity to one day stand on the Olympic podium under the flag of their country.

“I realize what a great responsibility lies with us, and I understand that there is still a lot of work to do. World Boxing intends to continue working on maximum transparency in matters of fair judging, the selection of athletes for the upcoming Games and the creation of an objective evaluation system.”

The news was greeted with delight by other leading figures from across the sport of boxing.

Ukrainian legend, Wladimir Klitschko, who is the longest reigning heavyweight champion in history and won gold at Atlanta 1996, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news.  Winning Olympic gold was one of the biggest highlights of my career and I would hate to see that opportunity get taken away from future generations. 

“The Olympic Games is so important to our sport and to have not been part of it would have been a disaster for boxing and boxers everywhere from the grassroots to the professionals.

“This is another great comeback story for boxing.  It has been a long hard battle, but the right decision has been reached in the end I would like to personally thank and congratulate everyone connected with World Boxing for the work they have done to save boxing as an Olympic sport.” 

Cindy Ngamba, who was the first refugee in history to win an Olympic medal, when she won Middleweight bronze at Paris 2024, added: “This is a massive step for the boxing community. The uncertainty around our sport’s Olympic future has been tough, but this decision means everything to the athletes.

“As someone who had the honour of representing the Refugee Team, I know firsthand how much the Olympics represents hope and opportunity. It’s not just about medals—it is about giving fighters from all backgrounds a platform to showcase their talent. I look forward to seeing boxing on the Olympic programme at LA28.”

Richard Torrez Jr, who won a silver medal for Team USA at Tokyo 2020 before turning professional and now sits on the board of World Boxing as an Athlete Representative, said: “World Boxing securing boxing in the LA 2028 Olympics will bring the boxing community together like never before.

“This is a great accomplishment and is a true testament that the Olympics are better with boxing in them than without. This will inspire generations of boxers to achieve their lifelong dream of winning gold.”

World Boxing’s other Athlete Representative, Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and current WBC, WBA, IBO and The Ring Welterweight World Champion, Lauren Price, commented: “Competing at the Olympic Games was always my dream and nothing I achieve in my professional career will ever top the achievement of winning gold at Tokyo 2020.

“It is what inspired me to take up the sport in the first place and has given me a platform that means I am now able to enjoy a successful career as a professional boxer.  Restoring boxing for LA28 means that other boxers can continue to do the same and keeps the Olympic dream alive. It is fantastic news for boxers, boxing and the Olympic Movement.”

Australia’s Caitlin Parker, who won a bronze medal at Paris 2024 and is part of World Boxing’s Athlete Committee added: “The Olympic Games is the absolute pinnacle of our sport and there is no greater honour then to represent your country at the highest level. To have clarity around LA28 allows us to plan to the minute and build through major events like the World Boxing Championships and the Commonwealth Games in 2026.”

World Boxing was launched in April 2023 with a mission to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement.

It held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024 and on 26 February 2025, it was granted provisional recognition by the IOC as the IF within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

WORLD BOXING WELCOMES DECISION OF IOC EXECUTIVE BOARD TO PROPOSE BOXING FOR INCLUSION AT LA28

World Boxing has welcomed the decision by the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to propose the inclusion of boxing on the sports programme of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28), to the 144th Session of the IOC that will take place in Costa Navarino, Greece, this week (19-21 March 2025).  

Provided the IOC Session votes to approve the EB’s proposal when it meets this week, boxing will be restored to the competition programme for LA28.

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic programme. 

“I have no doubt it will be very positively received by everyone connected with boxing, at every level throughout the world, who understands the critical importance to the future of the sport of boxing continuing to remain a part of the Olympic Movement.

“On behalf of everyone at World Boxing I would like to thank the EB of the IOC for the trust they have placed in our organisation and we hope for a positive outcome when the IOC Session meets this week.

“World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and I assure the IOC that if boxing is restored to the programme for LA28, that World Boxing is completely committed to being a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Charter.”

World Boxing was launched in April 2023 with a mission to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement.

It held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024 and on 26 February 2025, it was granted provisional recognition by the IOC as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

USA’s Elise Seignolle Elected President at Inaugural Congress of World Boxing’s PanAmerican Confederation

Panama City, PANAMA (March 15, 2025) – Elise Seignolle from USA Boxing has been elected as President of World Boxing’s PanAmerican Boxing Confederation at its inaugural Congress in Panama City.

The Congress marked the beginning of a new era for Pan American boxing with the goal of strengthening and promoting the sport in the region.

The key business on the day included the ratification of the Statutes of the new organisation and the election of the President and Executive Committee. The positions of President and Audit and Finance Committee Chair were elected by acclamation. The full list of appointments is:

President:

  • Elise Seignolle, USA

Vice Presidents:

  • Ryan O’Shea, CAN, 1st Vice President.
  • Tomás Cianca, PAN, 2nd Vice President.

Executive Board Members:

  • Marcos Candido Britos, BRA
  • Kathy Harper, BRB
  • Stephen Jones, JAM
  • Dhany Reyes, HND

Audit and Finance Committee:

  • Amabelis Camaño, PAN, Chair and Treasurer of the Board

Medical and Anti-Doping Committee:

  • Dr. Bernardino Santi, BRA, as Chair

Sport and Competition Committee:

  • Hernán Salvo, ARG, as Chair

Following her election, President Elise Seignolle delivered an emotional speech, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration to achieve recognition for Pan American boxing on the global stage.

She said: “Today marks the beginning of a new era for our sport. Together, we will work to ensure that boxing remains a vital part of the Olympic family and to provide more opportunities for our athletes.

“Our diversity is our strength. We are a continent united by a common passion: boxing. And it is through this unity that we will demonstrate to the world that our sport deserves a prominent place on the Olympic stage.”

On the challenges facing the Confederation, she added: “This journey will not be easy, but I am confident that, together, we will overcome any obstacle. Our mission is clear: to guide and inspire the next generation of champions, ensuring their dreams come true on the world’s biggest stage.

“This is just the beginning of a journey that will transform the future of boxing in the Americas.”

Commenting on the inaugural Conferderation and the election of Elise Seignolle, the President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “The inaugural Congress of the PanAmerican Boxing Confederation is a significant milestone for Olympic-style boxing in this important region.

“I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate President Elise Seignolle and all the other elected board members and committee chairs on their election. I look forward to a great partnership with the Pan American Confederation as we work together on our shared mission to create a sustainable future for Olympic boxing. Thank you for your commitment and thank you to the host Panama for organising an excellent Congress.”

Chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission, Gennadiy Golovkin, meets with Saudi Boxing Federation in Riyadh

The Chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission, Gennadiy Golovkin, and its Acting Secretary General Mike McAtee visited Riyadh last week to meet with representatives of Saudi Boxing Federation.

The meeting brought together key figures, including Saudi Boxing Federation President Abdullah Ahmed Eid Al-Harbi, Nasser Muneer, Director of the Secretary General Office and Hani Ismail, Chief Operating Officer of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee and NOC Kazakhstan Secretary General Alimzhan Akayev.

The meeting discussed World Boxing’s plans and upcoming activities following the recent decision by the IOC to grant it Olympic recognition. As part of this, the delegation highlighted World Boxing’s commitment to transparency and fair play, with ongoing efforts to improve officiating standards.

Gennadiy Golovkin said: “World Boxing remains focused on its core priorities. Strengthening cooperation with key partners plays an important role in this work, and today’s meeting confirmed that our goals and values are widely shared. As Chair of the World Boxing Olympic Commission, I remain fully committed to our main objective — keeping boxing on the Olympic programme.”

ITA to deliver ‘Clean Sport Education Webinar’ for World Boxing members on 24 March 2025

All World Boxing members – including athletes, coaches, medical personnel, athlete support staff, administrators and parent/guardians – are invited to attend a ‘Clean Sport Education Webinar’ delivered by The International Testing Agency (ITA) at 14:00–15:00 CET on Monday 24 March 2025.

The session will cover key anti-doping principles, practical scenarios, and include a live Q&A with a panellist from the ITA Education Team.

It is designed to inform participants of the key information and actions required to compete clean. The Q&A session will take place at the end of the session, with the entire webinar being delivered in English.

For further information and to register for the webinar, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pXPlMbACRu-EH_bOwB-gvA#/registration

The session is being delivered by the ITA as part of its agreement to deliver all of World Boxing’s anti-doping services and clean sport activities.

It is open to all World Boxing member athletes and coaches. Individuals in roles such as administrator, medical personnel, athlete support or parent/guardian from member federations can also attend.

World Boxing secures provisional membership of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF)

World Boxing has secured provisional membership of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF).

It follows the recent decision by the IOC (26 February 2025) to grant provisional Olympic recognition to World Boxing and marks an important milestone in the International Federation’s growing role within the Olympic Movement.

The ARISF Executive Board unanimously approved World Boxing’s provisional membership on 10 March 2025.  Final ratification will be decided by the ARISF General Assembly later this year, in accordance with ARISF Statutes.

ARISF President, Dr Raffaele Chiulli, welcomed World Boxing’s inclusion. He said: “World Boxing has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrity, good governance, and the fundamental values of sport. ARISF is delighted to welcome them as a provisional member, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth and contribution to the Olympic Movement.”

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, added: “Joining ARISF is a significant moment for World Boxing as we continue to strengthen our position within the Olympic Movement. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity, ensuring the best possible environment to thrive for the future generation of athletes and future champions.”

Since its official launch in April 2023, World Boxing has made significant progress and now has 84-member National Federations across all five continents that participate in boxing.

The rapid growth in membership was cited by the IOC in its decision to grant provisional recognition to World Boxing.  Other factors it identified include:

  • Representation among countries that compete in Olympic boxing and the fact that 62 per cent of the boxers and 58 per cent of the boxing medallists from Paris 2024 are affiliated to National Federations that are members of World Boxing
  • Usage and application of the sports integrity processes, including independent oversight, implemented during the 2024 Olympic Games by the Paris Boxing Unit
  • Membership of AIMS, as approved by the SportAccord Executive Committee and the AIMS General Assembly
  • Significant progress in governance and transparency, which included:
    • Putting in place the structures and documentation for good governance (including the World Boxing Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest Policy and declaration form, Anti-Corruption Policy, and Finance and Audit Committee Terms of Reference), and demonstrating strong willingness and effort in enhancing and implementing good governance that is compliant with the appropriate standards
    • Providing assurance on the financial stability of the organisation and its revenue generating processes
    • Recognition of the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)   
    • A successful application for World Anti-Doping Code Signatory Status, which has been accepted by WADA, and agreeing a contract with the International Testing Agency (ITA) for it to provide all of World Boxing’s anti-doping services and clean sport activities

World Boxing approves applications from National Federations in China, Türkiye, Sudan, Greece, Montenegro and Slovakia to increase membership to 84 countries

The Executive Board of World Boxing has approved six more applications from boxing National Federations to increase its’ membership to 84 countries.

The six new members are: the Chinese Boxing Federation; the Turkish Boxing Federation; the Sudan Boxing Federation; the Boxing Association of Montenegro; the Slovak Boxing Federation and the Hellenic Boxing Federation (Greece).

The approval of the applications follows the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 25 February 2025 to grant provisional Olympic recognition to World Boxing.

All of the new National Federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate a transparent and open election process, the existence and operation of WADA-recognised anti-doping polices and processes, evidence of independent, structured, dispute resolution and appeals processes, formal recognition by either their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or Ministry for Sport and a solid national and international boxing programme.

The addition of China and Türkiye increases the number of World Boxing members whose men and women won medals at the 2024 Olympics where China finished second in the boxing medal table with three golds and two silver, while Türkiye came joint eighth with three medals.

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome our latest members which further increases the global reach of World Boxing across all five Continents as we continue to grow and go from strength to strength.

“The addition of six more members to our ever-increasing membership is further evidence of the widespread support that exists across our sport for the work that World Boxing is doing to deliver a better future for boxers and ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement.”

A full list of the 84 National Federations that are members of World Boxing can be viewed HERE.

World Boxing was launched in April 2023 with a mission to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement. It held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024 and on 25 February 2025, it was granted provisional recognition by the IOC as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.

Website launched for World Boxing Championships 2025 in Liverpool

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the inaugural World Boxing Championships 2025 has launched a new website – https://www.worldboxingliverpool.com/ – to provide information about the event which will be held at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool from 4–14 September 2025.

Anyone that is interested in getting early information about the Championships, including ticket offers and details about volunteering opportunities is advised to sign-up for updates via the website.

More than 500 boxers from over 60 countries will take part in the competition which will be the first Elite-level global championships hosted by World Boxing, the new International Federation for Olympic style boxing.  It will be the biggest Olympic-style boxing event to be held in Great Britain since the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The action will feature competition in 10 weight classes for both men and women and be the first time ever that male and female boxers have competed in Olympic-style boxing for the title of World Boxing Champion at the same event.

Liverpool has a long history of staging major international events and was selected as the host of the inaugural World Boxing Championships following a successful bid that was developed by a group of partners which comprised England Boxing, GB Boxing, Liverpool City Council and the M&S Bank Arena, with the support of the National Lottery and UK Sport. Event partners are Sting, Nike Boxing, Brabners, the Liverpool Bid Company and Visit Liverpool. For further information on the World Boxing Championships 2025 visit  https://www.worldboxingliverpool.com/.