England Boxing Welcomes World Boxing’s Provisional Recognition by IOC

England Boxing is delighted with today’s announcement (26 February 2025) that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted World Boxing provisional recognition as the International Federation (IF) governing the sport at a global level within the Olympic Movement.

As a proud supporter of World Boxing from the very beginning, England Boxing sees this as a significant step forward in securing the future of the sport at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite competition.

Following the announcement today, the President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “This is a very significant day for everyone connected with the sport of boxing in the Olympic Movement. Keeping its place at the Olympic Games is absolutely critical to the future of our sport at every level, from the grassroots to the highest echelons of professional boxing, and this decision by the IOC takes us one step closer to our objective of seeing boxing restored to the Olympic programme.

“It has taken a huge team effort from a large number of people across the globe to get to this point and none of it would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of all of the National Federations, boxers, coaches, officials and boxing leaders that have worked together to make this possible. 

“Today’s decision by the IOC is an important milestone, however everyone connected with World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Movement is a privilege and a responsibility and not a right. There is still a lot of work to do, and everyone is as committed as ever to continuing to work together and doing everything within our power to deliver a better future for our sport and ensuring that boxing remains at heart of the Olympic Movement.”

England Boxing commends the collective efforts of National Federations, boxers, coaches, and officials worldwide who have contributed to this achievement. We remain committed to supporting World Boxing in its ongoing mission to protect the integrity of the sport and secure its rightful place on the Olympic programme.