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International Boxing Association

Boxing

The International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), is the global governing body for amateur and professional boxing.

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Sport

Boxing

Founded

1946 (78 years ago)

Headquarters

Lausanne, Switzerland

Affiliations

International Olympic Committee

Summary

The International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as the Fédération Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), governs global amateur and professional boxing. Established in 1946, it is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. IBA oversees 198 national boxing federations worldwide and is organised into five continental confederations: the African Boxing Confederation, the American Boxing Confederation, the Asian Boxing Confederation, the European Boxing Confederation, and the Oceania Boxing Confederation. The organisation's main decision-making body is the Congress, with Umar Kremlev serving as President since 2020.

 

IBA was historically responsible for managing Olympic boxing until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended it in 2019 due to governance and financial issues. The IOC subsequently revoked its recognition of IBA in 2023, marking the first time a federation was expelled from the Olympic movement. Despite this, IBA continues to hold world championships and other competitions.

 

IBA oversees various boxing competitions, including the IBA World Boxing Championships and youth and junior world championships. It also previously managed the World Series of Boxing and AIBA Pro Boxing, both of which have ceased operations due to financial difficulties.

 

IBA has implemented several reforms, including increasing the number of weight categories and introducing prize money for world championship winners. The organisation also adopted a new constitution, created additional committees, and reinforced its anti-doping efforts.

 

The IBA’s membership structure includes national boxing federations that promote and develop boxing in their respective countries. Each federation has the right to participate in IBA-sanctioned events and vote in the IBA Congress, where governance decisions are made. The IBA continues to play an important role in global boxing despite losing its Olympic status.

Disciplines

The International Boxing Association (IBA) oversees several disciplines within the sport of boxing. Each discipline has its own format and rules, designed to promote fair competition across various levels of the sport. Below is an overview of the main disciplines:

 

Ring

  • IBA Boxing Matches: These are traditional boxing competitions, also known as ring fighting. World Championships have been held since 1938.
  • IBA Boxing Junior World Championships: This competition was held from 1985 to 2011, focusing on younger boxers.
  • IBA Boxing Junior & U23 World Championships: Introduced in 2013, this competition is for junior and under-23 athletes.
  • IBA Masters Boxing World Championships: This event is for masters-level athletes, providing an opportunity for older boxers to compete.
  • Boxing Marathon: This involves long-duration boxing competitions, with World Championships held since 1988.
  • IBA Masters Boxing Marathon World Championships: A marathon boxing event for masters-level athletes.
  • IBA Boxing Marathon Masters World Cup: A World Cup competition for marathon boxing.
  • Boxing Boat: A unique form of boxing conducted in boats.
  • Boxing Polo: A team-based discipline, where boxing is integrated into a polo-style format. World Championships have been held since 1994.
  • Paraboxing: This discipline adapts boxing for athletes with physical disabilities, allowing them to compete under specific rules.

Ocean

  • Boxing Ocean Racing: A form of boxing conducted in ocean environments. World Championships have been held since 2013.
  • Boxing Sailing: A competitive discipline that incorporates boxing and sailing.
  • Waveski: Boxing conducted on specialised ski-like watercraft, typically in ocean settings.
  • Surf Ski: Introduced in 2010, this involves boxing in ocean conditions on surf skis.

Whitewater / Wildwater

  • Boxing Slalom: Competitors navigate through a slalom course while boxing. World Championships have been held since 1949.
  • Wildwater Boxing: This discipline involves boxing in fast-moving water. Competitions have been held since 1959.
  • Boxing Freestyle: Also known as playboating or rodeo in the past, this discipline focuses on freestyle boxing in water. World Championships have been held since 2007.

Ring and Ocean

  • Standup Paddleboarding (SUP): SUP is a form of boxing done while standing on paddleboards. IBA introduced this discipline in 2019, and World Championships are now held regularly.
Membership

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has a structured membership system that includes national boxing federations from around the world. Below is an overview of how the membership is organised and the benefits of being a member:

 

Key Aspects of IBA Membership:

  • National Federations: The IBA’s membership consists of 198 national boxing federations. These federations are responsible for developing and promoting boxing in their respective countries.
  • Continental Confederations: The national federations are grouped into five continental confederations:
    • African Boxing Confederation
    • American Boxing Confederation
    • Asian Boxing Confederation
    • European Boxing Confederation
    • Oceania Boxing Confederation

Each confederation helps coordinate regional boxing activities and represents its member nations in IBA meetings and decisions.

 

Membership Benefits:

  • Event Participation: Member federations can send their athletes to compete in IBA-sanctioned events, such as the World Championships, World Cups, and other international competitions.
  • Voting Rights: Members have the right to participate in the IBA Congress, where they can vote on key decisions, including rule changes, governance matters, and the election of IBA officials.
  • Development Opportunities: Member federations have access to development programs, which include coaching education, athlete training, and support for the overall growth of boxing within their regions.

Membership Requirements:

To become a member of the IBA, a national federation must meet the following criteria:

  • Legal Establishment: The national federation must be legally established in its country and recognised by the relevant national sports authorities.
  • Promotion of Boxing: The federation must actively promote boxing according to the IBA’s rules and regulations.

IBA Congress:

The IBA Congress is the main decision-making body, held every two years. All member federations participate in the Congress to vote on important decisions, including governance changes and the election of IBA officials. The Congress ensures that the organisation functions democratically and represents the interests of all member nations.

International Boxing Association image
Abbreviation
IBA
Established
1946
Type
Sports Federation
Headquarters
Lausanne, Switzerland
Region served
Worldwide
President
Umar Kremlev
Main organ
Congress
Affiliations
International Olympic Committee, SportAccord
Membership
198 Member Association
Phone
+41 21 313 50 40
Fax
+41 21 313 50 41
Social Media
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