In a significant move that could help determine the fate of boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Uzbekistan, one of the sport’s most successful nations, has joined the newly formed World Boxing federation. The decision comes as boxing faces an uncertain future in the Olympic program due to ongoing governance issues.
Uzbekistan’s Olympic Boxing Dominance
At the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Uzbek boxers showcased their prowess by claiming an impressive five gold medals out of the 13 on offer. This haul made Uzbekistan the top-performing nation in the boxing ring, underlining its status as a powerhouse in the sport.
A Strategic Alliance
By aligning with World Boxing, Uzbekistan has made a strategic move to help keep boxing in the Olympic program. The Switzerland-based federation is striving to gain formal recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the governing body for the sport, replacing the troubled International Boxing Association (IBA).
“The addition of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are two of the world’s leading boxing nations, is a major coup for World Boxing,” the federation stated, also welcoming Guatemala and Laos as new members.
The IOC’s Ultimatum
The IOC has given World Boxing an early 2025 deadline to prove its credentials as a viable governing body for the sport. This comes after years of disputes with the IBA over financial and integrity concerns, which led to the IOC taking over the organization of boxing tournaments at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
The IOC has made it clear that it does not want to oversee boxing for a third consecutive Games in Los Angeles. As a result, national boxing federations are facing a stark choice: support World Boxing’s bid for IOC recognition or risk being shut out of the Olympic movement if they remain loyal to the Russian-led IBA under Umar Kremlev.
World Boxing’s Growing Membership
With the addition of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, and Laos, World Boxing’s membership has swelled to 55 countries. The federation’s president, Boris van der Vorst, emphasized the significance of this growth:
“The new members recognize it is the only way to keep the Olympic dreams of their boxers alive.”
– Boris van der Vorst, World Boxing President
A Promising Start
World Boxing recently hosted its first global championships for under-19 boxers in Pueblo, Colorado, where the new members were welcomed. This event marked an important milestone for the fledgling federation as it seeks to establish its credibility and capability in managing the sport at the international level.
The Road Ahead
As the early 2025 deadline set by the IOC looms, World Boxing will need to demonstrate its ability to govern the sport effectively, transparently, and with integrity. Gaining the support of major boxing nations like Uzbekistan is a significant step in this direction, but much work remains to be done.
For now, the boxing world will be closely watching developments as World Boxing and the IBA compete for the right to oversee the sport at the Olympic level. The stakes could not be higher, with the very future of boxing as an Olympic sport hanging in the balance.
As the battle for control of Olympic boxing intensifies, one thing is certain: the passion and dedication of boxers around the world, from gold medalists in Uzbekistan to aspiring youngsters in gyms across the globe, will continue to drive the sport forward, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
