In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of boxing, France has announced its decision to disaffiliate from the International Boxing Association (IBA), the long-standing governing body of amateur boxing competitions, including the Olympics. This decision, driven by the desire to secure French boxing's place at the upcoming Olympic Games, has further exacerbated the ongoing power struggle between the IBA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Boxing's Olympic Future

The IBA-IOC Clash: A Battle for Control

The IBA, which has traditionally held sway over the sport of boxing, is currently embroiled in a bitter dispute with the IOC. The conflict centers around financial, governance, and ethical concerns that have plagued the IBA in recent years. As a result, the IOC has taken the unprecedented step of assuming control over the boxing competition at the Paris Olympics, a move that has further strained the relationship between the two governing bodies.

The IOC's decision to take over the boxing competition at the Paris Olympics is a clear indication of its lack of confidence in the IBA's ability to effectively manage the sport. This power struggle has left the future of boxing's inclusion in the Olympic Games hanging in the balance, with the IOC warning that national federations must find a "reliable" international partner to ensure the sport's continued presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

France's Disaffiliation: A Strategic Move

In a bold move, the French Boxing Federation (FFBoxe) has announced its decision to disaffiliate from the IBA, citing the desire to "guarantee French boxing its place at the Olympic Games" and to "reinforce the stability of its clubs." This decision comes in the wake of a letter from David Lappartient, the President of the French Olympic Committee and a candidate to replace the departing IOC President Thomas Bach.

Lappartient's letter highlighted the fact that boxing is currently not included in the 2028 Olympic program, a concerning development that has prompted the French boxing authorities to take decisive action. By aligning with a new international partner, France aims to secure its boxing team's participation in future Olympic competitions, a move that could have far-reaching implications for the sport's global landscape.

The Rise of World Boxing: A Potential Olympic Savior?

In the midst of this turmoil, a new player has emerged on the scene: World Boxing. Established in 2023, this organization boasts a membership of around 50 countries, including powerhouses such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. World Boxing is currently in discussions with the IOC to potentially take over the management of boxing at the Olympic Games, a move that could provide a much-needed lifeline for the sport's Olympic future.

The IBA, led by the Kremlin-linked Russian Umar Kremlev, has faced its own share of controversies, including a gender-based scandal during the Paris Olympics. The IOC, which defers to the governing bodies on gender-related rules, expressed doubts about the IBA's testing and motivations, further eroding trust in the organization's ability to effectively manage the sport.

The Road Ahead: Uncertainty and Opportunity

As the boxing community navigates these turbulent waters, the future of the sport's Olympic inclusion remains uncertain. The IOC's decision on whether to keep boxing in the Games is expected in early 2025, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the sport's global landscape.

For France, the decision to disaffiliate from the IBA and align with World Boxing represents a strategic move to secure its boxing team's place at the Olympic table. This decision, driven by the desire to ensure the stability and success of French boxing, could serve as a blueprint for other national federations seeking to safeguard their sport's Olympic future.

The emergence of World Boxing as a potential new partner for the IOC presents an opportunity for the sport to chart a new course, one that prioritizes transparency, governance, and ethical practices. As the boxing community eagerly awaits the IOC's decision, the coming years will undoubtedly be marked by a continued power struggle and a search for a sustainable, long-term solution that will secure boxing's place in the Olympic Games.