IBA denounces IOC's 'unprecedented pressure' on national boxing federations. IBA

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has reported that the IOC, through its respective NOCs, is interfering in the activities of the federations with the threat of "funding cuts as a result of their affiliation to the International Boxing Association". The IBA adds that it will "take appropriate action".

"The situation is totally unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of our sport. It must be addressed and exposed immediately," the International Boxing Association (IBA) said in a release. According to the organisation, the IBA has become aware in "recent weeks" that the IOC is directly interfering in the affairs of the respective National Boxing Federations "to intimidate them with funding cuts due to their affiliation with the International Boxing Association", it adds.

The IBA said, "The IBA reaffirms its autonomy and independence from any other organisation and demands the same respect for its member National Federations." In view of this situation, the IBA points out that "attempts to undermine this autonomy are a clear sign of direct interference by the IOC."

The organisation reiterates that it is aware of what is at stake. "We are fully aware of those involved in this work and will take appropriate action accordingly." As explained in the release, NOC funding is the lifeblood of some National Federations, but the IBA says it is "absolutely not the cornerstone of the National Federations' success. Through the Financial Assistance Programme (FAP), the IBA provides extensive opportunities through athlete development and success programmes."

The IBA reaffirms its support for the National Boxing Federations. IBA
The IBA reaffirms its support for the National Boxing Federations. IBA

According to the data provided, more than 90 countries have directly benefited from the FAP this year. The organisation is offering the opportunity to reapply for this support, particularly in light of the IOC pressure on National Federations included in the IBA. "It is noted that the FAP will continue to be managed in detail to respond to daily requests, specifically targeting countries under pressure from NOCs that directly interfere and harm the sport of boxing."

Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General and CEO of the IBA, said, "It is truly disrespectful for NOCs to attempt to influence our National Federations and blackmail them with the potential withdrawal of their financial support." "The National Federations of the IBA are fundamental to us and will be supported at all costs. We have all the necessary resources to support global boxing competition and development, as well as to independently support our elite athletes," said Roberts.

"The National Federations of the IBA should not be intimidated by this feeble form of interference, which clearly has a direct link to World Boxing. It is a message to all our national federations that they should have confidence in their own independent existence, which in turn has the support of the IBA", he said.

The IBA announces that it will take appropriate measures in response to the reported pressure exerted by the IOC. IBA
The IBA announces that it will take appropriate measures in response to the reported pressure exerted by the IOC. IBA

The IBA has also announced that it will continue to invest a significant amount of money in prizes over the next four-year cycle up to 2028. It has announced a full global calendar of events and a programme that will provide an annual prize fund of $7 million (€6.526 million). More exciting announcements for 2025 will be revealed shortly.

The IBA has a number of sections not found in any other body:

  • Sponsorship agreement not found in any other International Federation
  • Development Programme, which does not exist in any other International Federation
  • High-Level Events Programme not found in any other International Federation
  • Key investment programme not matched by any other International Federation
  • Licensed and supported equipment, managed and tested by the IBA, used by other organisations
  • Technical and competition rules, property, supported and managed by IBA, used by other organisations
  • Course content, owned, supported and managed by the IBA, used by other organisations
  • Referees, judges and international technical officials, managed, trained, educated and supported by the IBA, used by other organisations
The IBA will continue to support the organization of events. IBA
The IBA will continue to support the organization of events. IBA

The IBA reiterates, "This simply cannot be replicated by World Boxing, given their unsubstantiated claims to do so". It provides an example to assess the difference. The IBA assures that the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships, scheduled for 2024, will bring together more than 100 nations, while the most recent event announced by World Boxing, to be held at the USA Boxing Performance Center, will bring together a maximum of 20 countries."

Boxing has been in a state of uncertainty since the IOC decided to withdraw its recognition in April 2023. In less than a month, boxing will be included in the Olympic Games. But nothing is known about what will happen in Los Angeles in 2028. Against what it sees as an "unfair" decision, the IBA has tried to defend itself in court.

 It has appealed to CAS against the IOC's decision. It said it would use "all legal means available" to defend itself. Meanwhile, the IOC insists it will not recognise the IBA and warns that if there is no recognised body by the end of 2024, boxing could be dropped from the Olympic programme. Some federations are confused and unsure of what will happen to their boxers. Meanwhile, World Boxing has emerged in the wake of the IOC's withdrawal of recognition. It aims to fill the void.