By: Michael Okuley
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has directed National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to cut all connections with national boxing federations that are still associated with the International Boxing Association (IBA) in an attempt to radically alter the way Olympic boxing is governed.
The IOC’s rising worry regarding boxing’s governance and its continued presence in the Olympic Games is reflected in this latest escalation, which was communicated in a letter sent on September 30.
The NOCs are given a clear ultimatum in the letter, which is signed by James MacLeod, the IOC’s Director of NOC Relations and Olympic Solidarity, Sport Director Kit McConnell, and Legal Advisor Mariam Mahdavi: sever ties with the IBA or risk the possibility that boxing won’t be allowed at future Olympic Games.
The letter emphasizes how quickly Olympic boxing must join with a new, reliable governing organization in order to stay competitive. The IOC is pushing the NOCs to break from the IBA and basically support the recently established World Boxing Group, which is being positioned as the sport’s most likely future Olympic regulating organization.
“Depending on their respective statutes, NOCs may decide to maintain or establish an institutional relationship with any (existing or newly formed) National Boxing Federation not affiliated to the IBA, provided that such National Boxing Federation is affiliated, is in the process of affiliating, or intends to affiliate to a new International Boxing Federation established for the purpose of Olympic Boxing.” The letter states.
The warning about cutting ties with IBA (International Boxing Association) federations comes in response to ongoing governance and financial concerns with the IBA. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has raised alarms over the management of the IBA, particularly regarding issues like transparency, accountability, and alleged political interference, which have led to the suspension of the IBA’s recognition by the IOC.
These concerns primarily stem from the IBA’s failure to implement reforms that ensure fair governance and integrity within the sport. The IBA has faced significant criticism for its governance structure, with claims of corruption, favouritism, and financial mismanagement.
The IOC’s decision to strip boxing from the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games if reforms are not made could severely impact the future of the sport at the Olympic level. Without IOC recognition, boxing could be excluded from the Games, significantly diminishing its global profile and threatening the development of young boxers who see the Olympics as a pinnacle achievement.
National federations are now facing pressure to distance themselves from the IBA, lest their athletes and programs suffer. Some have already cut ties or are considering establishing alternative governance structures for Olympic boxing, separate from the IBA. The call to action is to prioritize the future of Olympic boxing by aligning with IOC standards, ensuring the sport’s place in the upcoming Games.
This situation emphasises the delicate balance between sport governance and international competition, with boxing’s Olympic future hanging in the balance if decisive action is not taken.