SRI LANKA BOXING AT CROSSROADS

he international boxing landscape is in turmoil, with the divide between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the newly formed World Boxing casting uncertainty over the sport’s future — especially for nations like Sri Lanka.

- By ALLAAM OUSMAN

This rift escalated after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrew its recognition of IBA, citing governance issues, and provisionally recognised World Boxing, setting the stage for a new governing authority.

The return of boxing to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is a moment of celebration for the global boxing community. However, the manner in which it has been achieved raises significant questions, particularly with two competing international bodies now governing the sport: the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly AIBA, and the newly formed World Boxing, which recently received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IBA, with a long history and 191 national federations under its wing, remains suspended by the IOC, a move widely viewed by analysts as rooted in geopolitical tensions rather than purely governance concerns. In contrast, World Boxing, founded in 2023 and boasting over 80 national federations, was swiftly recognised by the IOC under outgoing President Thomas Bach. Bach’s apparent favouritism, culminating in World Boxing’s recognition and boxing’s reinstatement in the LA Games, has left the sport more divided than ever.

IBA, under the leadership of President Umar Kremley, continues to assert its legitimacy, arguing that it remains the true custodian of the sport. In a recent statement, IBA emphasized its investment in grassroots development and athlete support, portraying World Boxing as a splinter group with no historical foundation. However, the IOC’s backing of World Boxing has shifted global dynamics.