NEWS

Day One of the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 Concludes

The opening day of competition at the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 has concluded with 13 bouts contested throughout the first session of the week. Day one consisted of action across five weight classes, including four men’s divisions and one women’s division.

Chinese Taipei’s Nien-Chin Chen opened the tournament against Brazil’s two-time Olympian Beatriz Soares, who holds a silver medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and a bronze medal from last summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Chen, a Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist herself, never backed down and ultimately won the judges over with a dazzling 4-1 victory in the 60kg showdown.

Bouts two through five consisted of action in the men’s 55kg weight division and featured a mix of results. Australia’s Yusuf Chothia bested the United States’ Orlando Zamora via a 3-2 decision. Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Altynbek then cruised to a 4-1 win over Brazil’s Michael Trindade in bout three. Guatemala’s Jose Daniel Felipe Mijangos wasted no time in his tournament opener and cashed in a first-round stoppage over Germany’s Omar Salah Ibrahim. Uzbekistan’s Mirarzizbek Mirzakhalilov rounded out Monday’s 55kg action with a tidy 5-0 victory over Sweden’s Nebil Ibrahim.

In bout six, the start of the men’s 70kg division, Italy’s Gabriele Guidi Rontani provided a statement win with a brief first-round stoppage over Guatemala’s Walter Ariel Duarte Vasquez. Rontani was a tidal wave of aggression in the bout and peppered his opponent with devastating hooks that ended the bout early.

In the ninth bout of the day, USA’s Carlos Flowers scored the upset with a flawless 5-0 win over Australia’s 2024 Olympian, Shannan Davies. Flowers was composed and consistent throughout his tournament debut and punched his ticket to the quarterfinal round of the men’s 70kg division.

There was no doubt for the judges during the final three bouts of Monday’s action, as England’s Dimeji Shittu and Brazil’s Wanderley Pereira and Isaias Filho each grabbed a 5-0 victory.

A complete list of Monday’s session one results is attached here. Tuesday’s afternoon session is slated to begin at 14:00 local time in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. Each round of the World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 will be broadcast live and free of charge on the CB Boxe YouTube channel, linked here.

More than 130 boxers from 19 countries set to compete at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 – Foz do Iguaçu

More than 130 boxers from 19 countries are set to take part in the first World Boxing Cup of the year in Brazil, 31 March – 5 April 2025.

Officially known as the “World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025 – Foz do Iguaçu”, it is the first World Boxing Cup event to be held in South America and will take place at the Rafain Palace Hotel & Convention which has previously hosted major events in a wide range of sports, including Brazil’s national boxing championships.

Detailed information including draws, schedules and images will be uploaded to the official EVENT WEBSITE.

The competition will feature male and females boxers from across the world and National Federations that have confirmed they will be sending teams to take part in the competition include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chinese Taipei, France, England, Germany, Guatemala, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Norway, Panama, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, USA, Uzbekistan and Wales.

The line-up will feature a number of Paris 2024 Olympians including Australia’s Yusuf Chothia, Shannan Davey and Tina Rahimi.

The host nation’s Olympic talent includes Abner Teixeira, Michael Trindade and Luiz Oliveira, who was the champion at last year’s World Boxing Cup Finals event in Sheffield, England, where Brazil finished top of the medal table with four golds.

The competition in Foz do Iguaçu is the first World Boxing Cup of 2025 and follows a successful debut season in 2024 which saw events England, USA and Mongolia with the season finals returning to England. 

The World Boxing Cup is a competition format developed by World Boxing whereby elite male and female boxers accrue ranking points over several stages of competition during the calendar year.

It is designed to bring greater structure and meaning to the competition calendar in Olympic-style boxing and culminates in a final event where the stage winners and other top-ranked boxers compete for the World Boxing Cup trophy.

For this year’s series the number of weight classes has been extended to ten each for men and women to reflect World Boxing’s updated competition rules.

MEN’S WEIGHTS CLASSES WOMEN’S WEIGHT CLASSES
Category nameWeight classCategory nameWeight class
Flyweight / M50kg47-50 kgLight-flyweight / W48kg45-48 kg
Bantamweight / M55kg50-55 kgFlyweight / W51kg48-51kg
Lightweight / M60kg55-60 kgBantamweight / W54kg51-54 kg
Welterweight / M65kg60-65 kgFeatherweight / W57kg54-57 kg
Light-middleweight / M70kg65-70 kgLightweight / W60kg57-60 kg
Middleweight / M75kg70-75 kgWelterweight / W65kg60-65 kg
Light-heavyweight / M80kg75-80 kgLight-middleweight / W70kg65-70 kg
Cruiserweight/ 85kg80-85 kgMiddleweight / W75kg70-75 kg
Heavyweight / M90kg85-90 kgLight-heavyweight / W80kg75-80 kg
Super-heavyweight / M90+kg90 kg+Heavyweight / W80kg+80 kg+

The event will be livestreamed on World Boxing’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@officialworldboxing

World Boxing will be posting updates throughout the competition on its social media channels:

World Boxing approves applications from five more National Federations to increase membership to 89 countries

World Boxing has increased its membership to 89 countries after its Executive Board approved the applications of five more boxing National Federations.

The five new members are: the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, the Ghana Boxing Federation, the Sierra Leone Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Federation of the Bahamas and the Albania Boxing Federation.

The approval of the applications follows the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to grant provisional recognition to World Boxing (25 February 2025) and its subsequent confirmation (20 March 2025) that boxing has been restored to the sport programme for LA28.

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 additions of the National Federations for boxing Ghana and Sierra Leone increases World Boxing’s representation in Africa where it now has nine members.

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “After the recent confirmation that boxing will be part of the programme for LA28, the announcement of five more members, including two from Africa, is more great news for World Boxing as we go from strength to strength and continue to grow our global footprint.

“It is clear that the future of boxing as an Olympic sport lies with World Boxing.  The continued growth of our membership is further evidence of the widespread support that exists for our vision of the sport and an expression of confidence in World Boxing’s ability to deliver a better future for boxing that puts the interest of boxers at the heart of decision making.” 

Under World Boxing’s Statutes, the approval of the Executive Board means the five new National Federations have been endorsed for membership.  Final approval of membership status can only be conferred by Congress, which is the ultimate authority of World Boxing, and will be voted on at the next Congress in New Delhi in November 2025.

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.

Lars Brovil from the Danish Boxing Association elected President of European Boxing at its inaugural Congress in Prague

Lars Brovil from the Danish Boxing Association has been elected as President of European Boxing at its inaugural Congress in Prague, Czech Republic.

The new Confederation currently has 28 member National Federations and is affiliated to World Boxing, which is the Internatonal Federation (IF) for the sport recognised by the IOC. 

The inaugural Congress marked the beginning of a new era for boxing in Europe, aimed at strengthening and promoting the sport in the region.

The key business of the Congress included the ratification of the Statutes of the new organisation and the election of the President, Vice Presidents, Executive Board and Committee Chairs. The full list of appointments is:

President:

  • Lars Brovil, DEN

Vice Presidents:

  • Marketa Vochoska Handlova, CZE
  • Len Huard, NED
  • Almar Ogmundsson, ISL

Executive Board Members:

  • Nikolina Juric, CRO
  • Kirsi Korpaeus, FIN
  • Istvan Kovocs, HUN
  • Mouloud Bouziane, FRA

Sports and Competition Committee:

  • Martin Volke, GER

Medical and Anti-Doping Committee:

  •  David McDonagh, NOR

Referee and judging (R&J) Committee:

  • Enrico Apa, ITA

The Congress was attended by the President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst.  He said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the newly elected President of European Boxing, Lars Brovil, Vice Presidents Marketa, Len Huard, and Almar Ogmundsson, as well as the Executive Board members and committee chairs. You are taking on a great responsibility and I am confident that under your leadership, boxing in the region will take a significant step forward. “I look forward to a great partnership with European Boxing as we work together to create a sustainable future for Olympic boxing. Thank you for your commitment and thanks also to Czech Boxing Association and its President, Marek Šimák, for their warm welcome and the excellent organization of the Congress in this beautiful city.”

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.”