The UAE Boxing Federation has declared its intention to officially submit a request to join “World Boxing,” having received approval from both the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports. This strategic decision highlights the federation’s commitment to elevating its status on the international stage.
The federation’s initiative comes in the wake of the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announcing a proposal for the inclusion of boxing in the sports program for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). This proposal will be presented at the 144th Session of the IOC, which is scheduled to occur in Costa Navarino, Greece, from March 19-21, 2025.
This announcement follows the temporary recognition of “World Boxing” in February, which has been designated as the organization responsible for overseeing boxing competitions. This shift comes as the International Boxing Association (IBA) has faced a ban from the IOC since 2019.
Commitment from the UAE Boxing Federation
Hassan Al Hammadi, secretary-general of the UAE Boxing Federation, informed the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the federation was among the pioneering Arab and Asian federations to support this newly formed international body. This support came after receiving the necessary approvals from relevant authorities in the UAE, including the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.
He stated, “We have obtained official approvals, and the membership application will be submitted before the end of this week in preparation for joining World Boxing.”
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Overview of World Boxing
World Boxing serves as an international sports organization that regulates amateur boxing. Established on April 13, 2023, it currently comprises 78 member federations. The formation of this organization was a direct response to the ongoing governance and integrity challenges that have plagued the International Boxing Association (IBA), which ultimately led to its suspension and subsequent expulsion from the IOC.
Impact on upcoming Olympic events
Boxing competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics will take place under the supervision of the IOC, following the International Boxing Association’s loss of recognition in 2023 due to its inability to implement essential governance and financial reforms.
Al Hammadi emphasized, “The Boxing Federation is always striving to enhance the presence of the UAE in various international sports organisations and to participate in global events, including the Olympic Games, in accordance with the required rankings and standards, to fulfill every athlete’s dream of representing their country with pride.”
