World Boxing, the breakaway international federation set up in April 2023 to rival the International Boxing Association (IBA), has announced its first six official members. In addition to USA Boxing, which was the first national federation to join the new body, World Boxing has also confirmed New Zealand Boxing, Boxing Australia, GB Boxing, England Boxing and the Dutch Boxing Federation as its first official members.
All six countries have been approved as members by the executive board of World Boxing following a rigorous application process, the new governing body said in a statement. USA Boxing, New Zealand Boxing, Boxing Australia, England Boxing and the Dutch Boxing Federation, which are the recognized national federations for the sport in their respective countries, have been granted full membership status. GB Boxing has been granted associate membership.
All six members will attend World Boxing’s inaugural congress in November 2023, where they will have the opportunity to nominate candidates for office on the governing body, including the presidency, executive committee, and membership of committees and commissions.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), earlier this summer in connection with allegedly unresolved finance, governance and ethical issues. World Boxing has officially stated that it will seek IOC recognition.
