In a surprising turn of events, Uzbekistan, the boxing powerhouse that dominated the Paris Olympics with five gold medals, has thrown its weight behind the newly formed World Boxing organization. This move comes as a bold effort to ensure that the sweet science remains a part of the Olympic program when the Summer Games head to Los Angeles in 2028.
The decision by the Uzbek boxing federation to align with World Boxing is a significant development in the ongoing battle for control over the sport’s future at the Olympic level. For years, boxing has been mired in controversy and turmoil, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at odds with the sport’s long-time governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA).
A Dispute Years in the Making
The rift between the IOC and IBA has been simmering for years, with concerns over the boxing federation’s finances, governance, and integrity leading to its exile from the Olympic movement in 2018. Tensions reached a boiling point when the IBA, then led by controversial Uzbek businessman Gafur Rakhimov, defied the IOC’s warnings and elected him as their president.
Rakhimov’s alleged ties to organized crime put the IBA at odds with the IOC’s ethical standards, forcing the Olympic governing body to take control of the boxing tournaments at the 2018 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games. The IOC has made it clear that it does not want to oversee a third consecutive Olympic boxing competition in Los Angeles, putting the sport’s future in jeopardy.
World Boxing Steps into the Ring
Enter World Boxing, a Switzerland-based organization that has emerged as a potential savior for the sport’s Olympic aspirations. Led by President Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing has been working to gain recognition from the IOC as a viable alternative to the IBA.
The addition of Uzbekistan to World Boxing’s roster is a major coup for the fledgling organization. As one of the most successful boxing nations in recent Olympic history, Uzbekistan’s support lends credibility and clout to World Boxing’s mission.
“The addition of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are two of the world’s leading boxing nations, is a major coup for World Boxing,” the organization said in a statement.
Along with Uzbekistan, the boxing federations of Guatemala and Laos have also joined World Boxing, bringing the total number of member nations to 55. The organization recently held its first global championships at the under-19 level in Pueblo, Colorado, showcasing its commitment to developing the next generation of boxing talent.
The Clock is Ticking
With the IOC’s deadline of “early 2025” looming, the pressure is on for World Boxing to prove itself as a competent and trustworthy partner in the governance of Olympic boxing. The organization must demonstrate that it can effectively address the issues that have plagued the sport in recent years, including corruption, match-fixing, and questionable judging.
For the boxing federations that have aligned themselves with World Boxing, the stakes are high. The IOC has warned that any national federations that remain loyal to the IBA risk being cut off from funding and communication with their respective National Olympic Committees. Such a move would effectively block their athletes from competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“[The new members] recognize it is the only way to keep the Olympic dreams of their boxers alive,” said World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst.
A Glimmer of Hope
As the battle for boxing’s Olympic future continues, the sport’s athletes, coaches, and fans are holding out hope that a resolution can be reached. The addition of Uzbekistan and other prominent boxing nations to the World Boxing fold is a promising development, but much work remains to be done.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on World Boxing as it works to establish itself as a credible and stable governing body for the sport. If successful, the organization could pave the way for boxing’s triumphant return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, ensuring that the world’s best fighters have the opportunity to compete for gold on the grandest stage of all.
For now, the boxing world waits with bated breath, hoping that the sport’s rich Olympic legacy can be preserved for generations to come. With Uzbekistan in its corner, World Boxing has taken a significant step forward in its quest to keep the Olympic dream alive.
