Japan And Algeria Join World Boxing

In the quest to keep boxing in the Olympic Games,  National Federations for boxing in Japan and Algeria have become the latest two countries to join World Boxing.

It means the new International Federation, which was established to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement, now has 44 members covering all five Continents competing in international boxing. 

Japan and Algeria take the number of countries that have joined World Boxing since the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to seven and follows the recent approval of membership applications from Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, Bhutan, Fiji and Ecuador.

All of the National Federations have completed a rigorous application process to join World Boxing. They are deemed to be in good standing and, through their statutes and operating processes, able to demonstrate transparency,  rigorous anti doping measures, properly constituted dispute resolution structures and ultimate recognition fostering growth for the sport globally. 

The President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “The additions of Japan and Algeria enhance the global profile of World Boxing by increasing our presence in Asia and Africa. Their decision to join World Boxing is further evidence of the widespread desire for change that exists across our sport and illustrates how important it is that we retain boxing’s place at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

“We are continuing to process applications from a number of countries and it is clear that more and more National Federations recognise that joining World Boxing is the only way they can ensure that their boxers will be able to continue to pursue their dream of competing on the biggest stage in sport at the Olympic Games.”

World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and aims to keep Boxing in the Olympic Games. On 7 May 2024, it held the first formal meeting with the IOC which signalled the start of formal collaboration aimed at establishing a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.

 At this rate, all hope is not lost: boxing still has a chance to survive. 

By Samuel Opoku Amoah