BAL announcement re international boxing

Boxing Australia announcement regarding international boxing

At Boxing Australia’s extraordinary meeting held online today, its members have unanimously voted to leave the International Boxing Association (IBA) immediately and to apply to join World Boxing (WB).

This decision will continue Boxing Australia’s commitment to Olympic boxing and the Olympic movement.

Boxing Australia has formally written to the IBA to inform them of the decision to leave which is effective immediately.

Boxing Australia President Phillip Goodes says the decision is in the best interests of Australian boxers and the sport in Australia.

“Following last month’s decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to expel the IBA from the Olympic movement, the future of boxing as an Olympic sport is much clearer with the IOC confirming boxing will be on the programme for Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.

“Clearly, we believe World Boxing, which was established in April this year, can provide a credible and sustainable governing body for our sport globally.

“We are seeking to join like-minded countries that want to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement with competitions that meet the highest standards of fairness and integrity. That is certainly in the best interests of Australian boxers,” Mr Goodes concluded.