Van der Vorst: I don’t understand what keeps the Ukrainian Boxing Federation in the IBA, because this organization clearly does not respect the rights of Ukrainian boxers

Presidential Candidate World Boxing Boris van der Vorst spoke about negotiations with Boxing Federation of Ukrainethe Olympic prospects of its organization and corruption in International Boxing Association (IBA).

“We have been negotiating with the Ukrainian Boxing Federation since the creation of World Boxing, and even earlier. We discussed ways that World Boxing can help. I personally don’t fully understand what keeps them in the former international federation, because this organization clearly does not respect the rights of Ukrainian boxers. IBA is fully funded by the Russian government, on top of management failures and corruption. And even more so, I don’t understand why your Federation is still with them, given that the IBA has completely lost any chance of leading Olympic boxing.”

“Why hasn’t the FBU left the IBA yet? This, I think, is a question for the leadership of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation. We have heard some arguments about the lack of competitions on the World Boxing schedule, that we have too few national member federations and so on. At the same time, I see that Ukraine is missing competition after competition in the IBA system due to violation of Olympic sanctions. Look, many other national federations are also afraid of change, but I thought that Ukraine would not be one of them. Now changes in Olympic boxing are already happening – there is no turning back. Either all national federations are part of World Boxing, or boxing will not be in the Olympic program.”

“Recognition from the IOC is our goal, and we are taking the necessary steps in this direction. At Paris 2024, the IOC will directly manage the boxing tournament, which is an unprecedented step on their part. They have never done this for any other sport. But they have already said they will not do it again and they need an international federation to partner with them to bring boxing into the Olympic cycle for the 2028 Olympics.”

“I think World Boxing is well positioned to provide boxing for Los Angeles 2028, but we must continue to work hard together. The fate of the sport is at stake. All the leaders of World Boxing understand this, I know it.”

Van der Vorst was previously a candidate for the position of IBA president, but was not allowed to run for office. The only contender remained Russian Umar Kremlev, who retained his post.

Let us remind you that the IBA allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international competitions using national symbols. Due to the actions of the Association, Ukraine, Great Britain, the USA, Poland and a number of other countries refused to participate in the women’s and men’s world championships.

In May, Kremlev was re-elected president of the IBA. He was the only candidate in the elections. President of the Ukrainian Boxing Federation Vladimir Prodivus joined the IBA Board of Directors.

Previously, van der Vorst demanded that the IBA respond more decisively to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and disclose reporting under the sponsorship association agreement with the Russian Gazprom.