World Boxing names the first 6 members to seek IOC recognition

LONDON — The World Boxing Organization, a new body seeking recognition from the International Olympic Committee, on Wednesday announced its first six official members with the United States along with federations from three continents.

The other members approved as full members are Boxing New Zealand, Boxing Australia, Boxing England and the Netherlands Boxing Federation.

GB Boxing, which offers a UK-funded global program but is not a national governing body like England, Wales and Scotland, is listed as an affiliate member.

The IOC’s executive board recommended in June that recognition be withdrawn from the Russia-led IBA for failing to comply with a series of reforms.

It had already suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance, financing, arbitration and ethics issues.

World Boxing was launched in April with the mission of keeping boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement amid concerns it could be banned from future games because the sport is not in the initial program for Los Angeles 2028.

Members applying had to demonstrate a transparent and open election process for office positions and be formally recognized by the National Olympic Committee or the Ministry of Sports.

Full members are entitled to vote at the inaugural conference in November.

World Boxing General Secretary Simon Tolson said further applications were under consideration.