BA announcement regarding High-Performance Program

Boxing Australia is entering an exciting period of change. As with any change, this brings a mix of anxiety and uncertainty, but also presents opportunity. Boxing has a proud history, having been part of the modern-day 27 Olympic Games since 1904 and one of only four sports included in every Commonwealth Games. Now, with the Green and Gold runway to Brisbane 2032, we have a historic chance to unite all Australian sports to inspire the nation.

Before the introduction of the Combat Sports Model, the boxing High-Performance Program was managed at the AIS Combat Centre. However, after a review and a shift in objectives, it was decided to establish a new dedicated high-performance entity to oversee combat sports. For the past four years, the Combat Institute of Australia (CombatAUS) has successfully managed the program for Boxing, Judo, and Taekwondo. While we are grateful for their support, we believe the future of boxing is best served under the direct management of Boxing Australia. We also would like to take this opportunity to thank CombatAUS for their work these past four years in managing the boxing High-Performance Program.

Following extensive internal and external consultations, the time is right to bring together the Boxing High-Performance Pathway, spanning from aspiring young athletes to podium-level competitors, along with their coaches, families, and supporters. Therefore, the Board of Boxing Australia deemed it appropriate and approved that boxing withdraw from the Combat Sports Model and manage its own High-Performance Program.

On January 1, 2025, Boxing Australia will take full control for our High-Performance Program, as outlined in our Constitution, we are committed to overseeing all facets of boxing, from grassroots development to elite-level performance.

To ensure the future success of Australian boxing, we have submitted a comprehensive High-Performance Strategy and “What It Takes to Win” plan to the AIS ensuring alignment with the 2032+ High-Performance Strategy. This strategy aims to reflect the contemporary values of all boxing members, clubs, organisations, and high-performance institutions. Our goal is clear: to place Australian boxers on top of podiums at benchmark events. At the same time, we remain committed to prioritising athlete wellbeing, fostering diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that everyone finds a place within our shared vision. Additionally, this plan outlines key roles, including a full-time Wellbeing & Engagement Officer, a General Manager of Performance, and other vital support staff essential to a successful high-performance team. Boxing Australia will work in partnership with the AIS to deliver a world class boxing program alongside collaboration of member state bodies.

As we look to the future, we are also mindful of lessons learned from the past. We will continue engaging past and present athletes to lead boxing into this next eight-year window, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Games. The success and insights gained through our collaboration with CombatAUS over the past four years provide a strong foundation for developing a boxing-specific High-Performance Program. We intend to carry forward the strengths of this partnership while enhancing opportunities unique to Boxing Australia.

Ultimately, Boxing Australia will be judged by the integrity of our intentions and the quality of our actions. While we understand that not everyone may adapt to this change at the same pace, we are committed to working with the Australian boxing community to unite, grow, and succeed together. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to preparing a well-equipped team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, while also continuing to collaborate with World Boxing to ensure boxing remains on the Olympic program for generations to come.