The international boxing federation World Boxing welcomes Japan and Algeria as new members. This strengthens its global presence and Olympic aspirations.
World Boxing has taken another step forward in its efforts to ensure the continued existence of boxing at the Olympic Games. It was announced today that Japan and Algeria have joined World Boxing. As a result, the number of members has now grown to 44 national federations from all five continents.
Desire for change
The aim of the association, which was founded in 2023, is to create a transparent and fair organization. Each member association must meet strict criteria in order to join the association. These include transparent election processes, recognized anti-doping guidelines in accordance with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and independent arbitration procedures. The member associations must also provide evidence of formal recognition by their National Olympic Committee (NOC) or the respective sports ministry.
Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing: “With Japan and Algeria we are strengthening our global presence. Their joining shows the broad desire for change in boxing. It is important that boxing remains an integral part of the Olympic Movement.”
Asian boxing federations divided
Van der Vorst emphasized that further applications from other countries were still being considered. The growing number of member federations shows that World Boxing is the only way to ensure that boxers around the world have the chance to compete on the biggest stage in sport – the Olympic Games.
Just two weeks ago, World Boxing’s efforts were put a damper on. At an extraordinary congress in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the delegates of the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) voted by a majority (21:14) to remain in the IBA (International Boxing Association). Japan’s accession to World Boxing once again shows how divided the Asian boxing federations are on the issue of the Olympics. The national federations of Taiwan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore and South Korea had already left the IBA phalanx before the Games in Paris.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger