World Boxing statement following the decision of the IOC’s Executive Board to recommend to IOC Session to withdraw recognition of IBA
“IBA’s persistent failure to address longstanding issues over sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management has caused huge damage to international boxing and we welcome the clarity provided by the IOC in its statement which says: ‘The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today recommended to the IOC Session (on 22 June 2023) to withdraw recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), in accordance with Rule 3.7 of the Olympic Charter (OC)’.
“This is a very significant moment as it provides an opportunity for the sport (subject to the decision of the IOC Session on 22 June 23) to move on from the corrosive leadership of IBA which has brought boxing to a place where its status as part of the Olympic programme is in doubt.
“The loss of Olympic status would be devastating for boxing and have damaging long-term consequences, across the globe, for boxers and everyone connected with the sport, from the elite level to the grassroots.
“World Boxing was established to prevent this catastrophic situation from arising and create a better future and is committed to working constructively and collaboratively with the IOC and all other stakeholders to develop a pathway that will preserve boxing’s ongoing place on the Olympic programme.
“Boxing is at a crossroads and we urge every National Federation that cares about boxers and boxing to think about how they can help to deliver a better for future for the sport and support World Boxing in its efforts to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic Movement.”