IOC Grants Provisional Recognition to World Boxing as International Federation

Lausanne, Feb 26: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally recognized World Boxing (WB) as the new International Federation (IF) for boxing. This decision, made during a remote Executive Board (EB) meeting on Wednesday, ensures that boxing can remain part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The IOC had previously suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA) before the Tokyo Olympics, taking over the sport’s management in the last two Olympic editions.

The IOC reviewed World Boxing’s progress and noted that it meets the key criteria for recognition. The federation is supported by 78 national and four continental federations, with a majority of Olympic boxers backing it. According to the IOC, 62% of the boxers and 58% of the medal winners in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics are affiliated with World Boxing. The organization has also adopted governance structures and anti-doping measures that comply with international standards.

Additionally, World Boxing has secured financial stability through multi-year commercial agreements (2025-2028), addressing concerns that led to IBA’s de-recognition. The IOC confirmed that World Boxing has obtained AIMS membership, complies with the World Anti-Doping Code, and follows the International Testing Agency (ITA) protocols. This recognition clears a major hurdle for boxing’s inclusion in LA28 and marks a significant step in securing the sport’s Olympic future.