PARIS – The fledgling organization striving to secure boxing’s place in the Olympics is on the verge of a significant expansion. World Boxing anticipates expanding its membership to over 50 national federations in the aftermath of the tumultuous Paris Olympics, according to President Boris Van Der Vorst. Currently, with 37 members, including most leading Western national federations, the organization’s growth aspirations are ambitious.
Van Der Vorst leaves Paris more optimistic than ever, believing his sport can achieve “the greatest comeback story ever in the Olympic movement.” Throughout the Games, he has been in discussions with boxing leaders and federation officials, endeavoring to unite the sport under World Boxing—the only viable alternative to the Russian-dominated International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been ousted from the Olympic movement. To bring about this monumental shift, World Boxing must persuade each federation individually, and time is of the essence.
Boxing is noticeably absent from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reiterated that the sport requires a new governing body—likely by early 2025—to be reinstated. An IOC unit has managed the past two Olympic boxing tournaments.
“There’s only one reason to join (World Boxing), and that’s to save our sport,” Van Der Vorst emphasized during an interview on Saturday.
Five years after being banned from the Olympics, the IBA has resurfaced controversially in Paris, questioning the eligibility of boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting at last year’s world championships. Despite the IBA’s murky claims, both athletes triumphed brilliantly, winning gold medals and delivering stellar performances.
The IBA’s erratic behavior continued with a bizarre news conference in Paris. Its president, Umar Kremlev, focused more on criticizing IOC President Thomas Bach than addressing questions about the boxers.
Van Der Vorst, who experienced the IBA’s leadership issues firsthand by being unfairly barred from its 2022 presidential election, reiterated his commitment to World Boxing’s mission. “It is not a competition between us and the IBA,” he asserted. “Our mission is to keep boxing at the heart of the Olympic movement and do what is best for the boxers and the national federations.”
Amid controversies, Van Der Vorst addressed the online bullying and misconceptions surrounding Khelif and Lin. He affirmed their right to compete under IOC criteria, noting that World Boxing’s medical committee is working on new eligibility rules, considering evolving standards in other Olympic sports.
Additionally, World Boxing is organizing three major tournaments and several smaller events while expanding its staff and developing a long-term plan. The organization aims to demonstrate its readiness to be the sport’s governing body, hopeful of IOC approval for future Olympic cycles.
Despite World Boxing’s growth, it faces challenges from many established IBA members who either financially depend on or politically align with the banned organization. Recruiting key federations remains a significant hurdle. Notably, Uzbekistan, which claimed five gold medals—the highest by any nation in 20 years—alongside China’s impressive haul of three golds and two silvers, and Cuba’s enduring influence, are crucial targets.
Van Der Vorst remains steadfast, aware of the daunting obstacles but determined to achieve his vision. “I respect every decision from every national federation, and I understand the difficulties they are facing,” he said. “We have had several setbacks, several difficulties, but we are absolutely convinced that our hand will be raised at the end of this year.”
