Boxing’s Olympic future in doubt after IBA backs Russian president Umar Kremlev


Boxing’s Olympic future in doubt after IBA backs Russian president Umar Kremlev

Boxing’s inclusion at future Olympics has been plunged into further doubt after the International Boxing Association (IBA) backed Russian president Umar Kremlev by voting against allowing a leadership challenge against him. 

Kremlev won the vote 106 to 36 with many saying the result will see boxing no longer included in future Olympic Games. After the victory Kremlev said “We shouldn’t say Olympic boxing, we should say IBA boxing. I am working for you, not a side organisation. No one else should have influence on the organisation.”

The vote came as a result of Dutchman Boris van der Vorst attempting to challenge Kremlev’s leadership with the IOC having previously written to Kremlev in May stating they were concerned about the governance, financial stability and integrity of judges. An IOC statement said “Following these disturbing developments, the IOC will have to fully review the situation at its next meeting. The IOC has already expressed “grave concerns” over Kremlev’s leadership of the IBA and has left boxing off the initial list of sports for the 2028 Games.”

Boxing remains on the list for the 2024 Games in Paris but the competition will be administered by the IOC with the IBA being barred from the Games following the Rio 2016 Games when there were a number of allegations of judges being involved in match fixing and bribery. 

You may also like

View All

Tour de France introduces yellow cards to tackle unsportsmanlike conduct

The Tour de France may issue yellow cards for unsportsmanlike behaviour, sparking debate over clarity

Read More

Queensland and federal governments agree on funding deal for the 2032 Games

The Queensland and federal governments have reached an agreement on a funding deal for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Read More

WADA publishes stakeholder and athlete feedback from third phase of 2027 Code review

WADA has published its stakeholder feedback from the Third Consultation Phase of the 2027 WADA Code and International Standards Update Process and from the Athlete-Centered Consultation on the same subject

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: