Lausanne, Feb 26: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday granted provisional recognition to World Boxing, effectively reducing the International Boxing Association (IBA) to a non-entity and giving the reins to the new body.
The move increases the chances of boxing being retained at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as WB will henceforth conduct the affairs of the sport. The IBA was de-recognised in 2023 after a year-long dispute for defying advice and instructions from the IOC, which had long cited concerns about the sport’s governance and the integrity of bouts.
“The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee provisionally recognised World Boxing as the International Federation (IF) within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level, during a remote meeting held today,” said IOC in a statement.
The IOC said it gave recognition to WA after assessing its functioning and the fact that four continental confederations and a majority of national federations were affiliated to it.
The IOC also stated that WA had recognised the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) and had successfully applied for World Anti-Doping Code Signatory Status, “which has been accepted by WADA”.
“The assessment concluded that World Boxing has continued to make progress regarding the identified areas of consideration in order to be recommended for IOC Provisional Recognition as the IF within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level. (PTI)
