Because the majority of the Asian boxing nations voted to remain in the IBA, a new boxing confederation is now being created, which will be affiliated to World Boxing.
Join World Boxing (WB) or continue alongside the International Boxing Association (IBA) – that was the dilemma facing the Extraordinary Congress of the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) last Saturday in Bangkok (Thailand). The result of the vote confirmed that the alliance with the IBA, which has had its recognition withdrawn by the IOC, will continue for the time being.
The 36 boxing federations that make up the ASBC voted 25 against leaving the IBA, ten in favor and one abstention. ASBC President Pichai Chunhavajira (Thailand) had already announced his resignation before the special congress.
Founded by Thailand’s boxing boss
In response to the vote, Chunhavajira announced plans to establish a competing Asian boxing federation under the umbrella of World Boxing. He defended the initiative as a necessary step to ensure transparency, fairness and alignment with Olympic standards. “This move is essential to strengthen Asia’s voice, protect the rights of our athletes and ensure a transparent, fair and sustainable future for our sport,” said Chunhavajira.
Asian “heavyweights” included
WB currently comprises 55 member federations worldwide, including 15 national boxing federations from Asia. These also include “heavyweights” such as India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which won the most medals in the men’s competitions (five out of seven) at the Olympic Games in Paris.
In order to hold official talks with WB about possible recognition, the IOC is said to require a minimum of 50 member federations as a prerequisite for the beginning of 2025. The boxing organization founded by President Boris van der Vorst in April 2023 already reached this mark before the turn of the year. It can therefore be expected that the recognition of WB by the wrestling federation will become increasingly likely.
Golovkin is confident
World Boxing welcomes the plans to establish a new Asian boxing confederation and speaks of a “historic moment” in the development of boxing. “We are thrilled to take this step to strengthen boxing in Asia,” said WB President Boris van der Vorst. “We are confident that the new Asian Boxing Federation will further promote the sport in the region.”
Gennady Golovkin, Chairman of the Olympic Commission at World Boxing, also welcomes the development in Asia. “It is a privilege to have a clean, pioneering organization for Asia,” the former champion emphasized. “Asian Boxing will be dedicated to driving the sport forward in Asia and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact.”
Text: Frank Schwantes
Now in BOXSPORT 06/25:
Shields, Taylor, Serrano & Co. – who are the best “Pound for Pound“? And where does the German undisputed champion Tina Rupprecht stand in the ultimate ranking? Plus: 25-year-old Devrim Gökduman has fought his way to the top of the national lightweight rankings. Plus: Junto Nakatani was long overshadowed by P4P superstar Inoue – Japan’s quiet boxing sensation now has a place in the limelight himself. And: BOXSPORT on the steep rise of the Fundora siblings. Plus lots of stories, analysis, rankings, fight reports and much more.