The International Boxing Association (IBA) finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates a tumultuous relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) while aiming to secure boxing’s place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite the sport’s uncertain future, IBA chief executive Chris Roberts remains committed to the organization’s controversial sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
Diversifying Funding Sources
In an effort to stabilize the IBA’s financial standing, Roberts acknowledged the need to diversify the organization’s funding sources. However, he confirmed that the Gazprom sponsorship, which has drawn criticism due to Russia’s geopolitical actions, remains in place.
We are looking for alternatives. We have alternatives, and we are moving forward. We are still in negotiation, because we have, obviously, contractual stuff with with Gazprom, you know.
Chris Roberts, IBA Chief Executive
The IBA’s reliance on Gazprom has been a point of contention, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to Western sanctions targeting the energy company. While former IBA president Umar Kremlev announced the end of the Gazprom contract in May 2022, Roberts confirmed that the sponsorship remains active, declining to disclose the level of funding provided.
Boxing’s Olympic Limbo
The IOC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the IBA due to governance, finance, and corruption issues has left boxing’s Olympic future in jeopardy. The IOC ran the boxing events at the 2024 Paris Games and has stated that it will not organize the sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Despite this, Roberts remains optimistic about boxing’s Olympic prospects, asserting that negotiations with IOC officials are already underway. He expressed confidence in the IBA’s ability to secure boxing’s place at the 2028 Games, particularly with the impending departure of current IOC President Thomas Bach.
Let’s say, ‘Bye bye’ to Thomas Bach. ‘Than you very much, go retire somewhere. Thank you.’ We continue to see a bright future. We have a really good financial package behind us.
Chris Roberts, IBA Chief Executive
World Boxing Rivalry
The emergence of a rival organization, World Boxing, has added another layer of complexity to the IBA’s efforts to maintain its position as the governing body of amateur boxing. World Boxing seeks to replace the IBA as the organizer of Olympic boxing events, but recently suffered a setback when the Asian Boxing Confederation voted against breaking ties with the IBA.
In response, the IBA amended its constitution to allow national bodies to hold memberships in multiple sporting federations. Roberts attributed this change to some national Olympic committees withholding funding from bodies affiliated with the IBA in favor of World Boxing.
They’re [World Boxing] coming into our into our nest, you know, trying to steal our members, to pull them across. You know, at the end of the day, I’m focused on what we want, what we’re doing, what the IBA is doing.
Chris Roberts, IBA Chief Executive
Looking Ahead
As the IBA navigates its complex relationships with the IOC, Gazprom, and World Boxing, the organization remains focused on securing boxing’s future at the Olympic Games. Roberts highlighted plans to double prize money at IBA world championships, asserting that the rival World Boxing has “lost momentum” in its bid to supplant the IBA.
The coming months will be crucial for the IBA as it works to address governance concerns, diversify its funding sources, and negotiate with the IOC to ensure boxing’s inclusion at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With the sport’s Olympic future hanging in the balance, the IBA’s ability to adapt and evolve will be put to the test as it strives to maintain its position as the preeminent governing body of amateur boxing worldwide.
