Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda expressed his full support for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to grant provisional recognition to World Boxing as the sport’s new International Federation within the Olympic Movement.
The IOC had suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2019 following prolonged issues concerning governance, financial mismanagement, and concerns over the integrity of judging and bouts. After the emergence of World Boxing as an alternative governing body, the IOC officially expelled the IBA from the Olympic movement in 2023.
This latest decision, made by the IOC’s executive board during a remote meeting on Wednesday, to provisionally recognize World Boxing, marks a significant shift in the governance of the sport at the world level.
Samuda, a staunch advocate for good governance and best practices in sports administration, lauded the IOC’s decision, as he pointed to its importance not just for boxing but for global sports governance as a whole.
“The IOC's decision to provisionally recognize World Boxing as the International Federation signals that the bout is now over and the last bell has tolled for the IBA. The WB belt and title now rest with World Boxing,” Samuda said.
He noted that the ruling provides closure to a long-standing dispute that had been marred by governance issues and accusations against the IBA.
“The IOC's decision brings an end to the matter, which unfortunately was coloured with accusations and counteraccusations. Governance and best practices informed the IOC's treatment of issues and ultimately its decision, and that is perfectly understandable,” Samuda told SportsMax.Tv.
World Boxing’s recognition was granted as it has met key sports and governance criteria set out by the IOC, including representation by 78 national federations across five continents.
Additionally, the IOC was encouraged by World Boxing’s affiliation with 62% of the boxers and 58% of the boxing medallists at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the implementation of stringent sports integrity measures. Furthermore, the IOC noted that World Boxing has established governance frameworks such as a Code of Ethics, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and an Anti-Corruption Policy, among others.
According to Samuda, this decision not only sets a critical precedent for the sporting world but also reinforces the importance of accountability and adherence to global standards.
“The decision is not only instructive for the sport of boxing but is a timely reminder to well-thinking stakeholders of sport that infractions will not escape the third eye,” he reasoned.
“I support the decision not only from a good governance policy perspective but also, and more importantly, because it establishes a non-negotiable precedent of sport diplomacy successfully at work,” Samuda declared.
On that note, Samuda commended World Boxing for its proactive and strategic approach in being aligned with Olympic principles.
“As protocols and standards were clearly laid down by the IOC, it was left up to the wise to see and follow them. World Boxing made a very intelligent choice,” he ended.