In a pointed and passionate statement, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), has called on the Caribbean boxing fraternity to take a stand amidst the ongoing global turmoil in the sport. Joseph urged regional boxing associations to end their silence and unite to protect the future of the sport, particularly in light of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to derecognize the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the growing influence of the newly formed World Boxing organization.
"There is a sense in which the global environment remains decidedly divided," Joseph stated, highlighting how historical and economic disparities have consistently marginalized smaller nations, including those in the Caribbean. He emphasized that this dynamic is evident in sport, where wealthier nations often dominate leadership and decision-making processes. "More often than not, member sport federations of smaller and/or poorer nations are seen as dependent on those from wealthier nations," he said.
Joseph’s remarks come as international boxing faces a critical juncture. The IOC’s decision to strip the IBA of recognition, coupled with the potential exclusion of boxing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has plunged the sport into uncertainty. Meanwhile, World Boxing has emerged as a contender to become the new governing body, vying for IOC recognition and the right to oversee the sport at future Olympic Games.
Despite these seismic changes, Caribbean boxing associations have remained largely silent. Joseph described this passive approach as "unacceptable," arguing that regional federations must take an active role in shaping the future of the sport. "Caribbean countries have essentially been very quiet in the face of the international shenanigans impacting boxing around the world. Our boxing associations appear to have adopted a stance that the current dispute is beyond their involvement and are waiting on the outcome. Such an approach should be considered unacceptable," he asserted.
Joseph also condemned external pressures being placed on national boxing associations, including coercion by multisport Games organizers to align with World Boxing or risk exclusion from National Olympic Committee (NOC) teams. He reminded Caribbean associations of past injustices, such as the closure of the Caribbean Boxing Association by the previous international federation, which left the region marginalized in qualification processes for major competitions.
"Now, more than ever before, Caribbean boxing federations need to communicate with each other and arrive at a consensus regarding their input in decisions regarding the future of their sport. They must not be silent. The time to speak up with one voice is now," Joseph declared.
The CANOC President’s call is a rallying cry for unity and action, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration to ensure that Caribbean voices are heard in global discussions. With the future of boxing on the Olympic stage hanging in the balance, Joseph’s message serves as a stark reminder that silence could lead to further marginalization.
As the global boxing fraternity navigates these uncertain waters, the Caribbean’s response—or lack thereof—could significantly impact its athletes' opportunities and the sport’s regional development. The time for decisive action, as Joseph urged, is now.