LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The boxing federation of Uzbekistan, celebrated for its significant achievements at the Paris Olympics, has become a member of the newly established governing body called World Boxing. This organization is working to ensure the sport remains included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following several years of upheaval within the sport’s administration.
Uzbekistan’s boxing team distinguished itself at the Paris Olympics, securing five out of thirteen available gold medals. Their inclusion marks a key development for World Boxing, which seeks formal recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Alongside Uzbekistan, three other nations have also joined, broadening the organization’s membership.
The IOC has given a timeline, stating that by “early 2025,” boxing must align under a new governance structure, shifting away from the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), which was suspended from participating in the Olympic movement last year. Strained relations have persisted between the IOC and the IBA due to ongoing concerns regarding financial management and the integrity of the sport. The IOC has managed the boxing events at the last two Olympic Games held in Paris and Tokyo, but is not willing to take on that responsibility for a third time at the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
Tensions escalated in 2018 when boxing authorities chose Gafur Rahkimov, a businessman from Uzbekistan, as their president despite IOC warnings against his leadership. The situation has further deteriorated, with the IOC informing boxing federations that any allegiance to the IBA, headed by the Russian Umar Kremlev, would result in the loss of funding and a breakdown in communication with national Olympic committees. This effectively undermines their chances of competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
World Boxing has hailed the inclusion of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both recognized as top-tier boxing nations, as a significant achievement. The organization remarked that this influx of new members, which also includes Guatemala and Laos, emphasizes their commitment to helping athletes realize their Olympic ambitions. Boris van der Vorst, the president of World Boxing, expressed that these recruits understand this union is essential for sustaining the Olympic dreams of their boxers.
The announcement comes following a recent meeting in Pueblo, Colorado, where World Boxing hosted its inaugural global championships for athletes under the age of 19, further emphasizing the organization’s reach and ambition as it embarks on this new chapter in the sport.