World Boxing continues its remarkable growth on the international stage, officially welcoming eight new National Federations and raising its total membership to an impressive 125 countries. This expansion not only reinforces World Boxing’s position as the sport’s leading global authority but also highlights its commitment to transparency, Olympic values, and the unification of the boxing community worldwide.
World Boxing’s Membership Surges to 125 National Federations
In what is another significant development for the sport, the Executive Board of World Boxing has approved the membership applications of eight additional National Federations. This latest intake brings the total number of countries represented within World Boxing to 125, further solidifying its role as the premier governing body for Olympic-style boxing.
The newly admitted National Federations span four continents, reflecting the truly global appeal and reach of World Boxing. The latest members include:
- Slovenian Boxing Federation (Slovenia)
- National Boxing Federation of North Macedonia (Macedonia)
- Qatar Boxing Federation (Qatar)
- Libyan Boxing Federation (Libya)
- Senegalese Boxing Federation (Senegal)
- Nicaraguan Amateur Boxing Federation (Nicaragua)
- Boxing Federation of Kenya (Kenya)
- Ukrainian National Federation (Ukraine)
This diverse group of new members underscores World Boxing’s mission to unite the sport’s stakeholders under a single, transparent, and athlete-focused banner.
Rigorous Standards and Transparent Processes
One of the cornerstones of World Boxing’s credibility is its stringent membership process. Each National Federation seeking to join World Boxing must complete a detailed application and undergo a thorough review and audit. The requirements are clear and uncompromising: federations must demonstrate transparent and open election procedures, robust anti-doping policies in line with WADA standards, and effective dispute resolution and appeals mechanisms.
Furthermore, they must be formally recognised by their respective National Olympic Committee or Ministry for Sport and maintain active national and international boxing programmes.
By upholding these rigorous standards, World Boxing ensures that all its members are in good standing, committed to the highest principles of governance, and dedicated to the integrity of the sport.
Executive Board Approval and Congress Confirmation
According to World Boxing’s statutes, the Executive Board’s approval serves as a crucial endorsement for new National Federations. However, ultimate authority rests with the organisation’s Congress, which will formally confirm the membership status of these federations at its next scheduled Congress in New Delhi, November 2025. This two-step process ensures that all decisions are subject to the highest level of scrutiny and collective agreement, further reinforcing World Boxing’s commitment to democratic governance.
World Boxing: Safeguarding Boxing’s Olympic Future
Since its launch in April 2023, World Boxing has set out with a clear mission: to ensure that boxing remains a central and integral to the Olympic movement and that the sport’s values of fairness, transparency, and athlete welfare are upheld at every level. This vision has resonated with National Federations around the globe, as evidenced by the rapid expansion of World Boxing’s membership base.
World Boxing’s proactive engagement with the International Olympic Committee has been pivotal. The organisation held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024 and, in a landmark decision on 25 February 2025, was granted provisional recognition as the International Federation governing the sport of boxing within the Olympic Movement. This recognition is not only a testament to World Boxing’s integrity but also a crucial step in safeguarding the sport’s Olympic status for future generations.
Global Unity and the Road Ahead
The addition of eight new National Federations is more than a numerical milestone. It is a clear signal of World Boxing’s growing influence and its ability to unite the global boxing community. By welcoming federations from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, World Boxing is fostering a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation that is essential for the sport’s continued development.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the upcoming Congress in New Delhi, where the final approval of these new members will be voted on. This event will not only shape the immediate future of World Boxing but also set the tone for its ongoing mission to promote excellence, transparency, and unity in Olympic boxing.
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By Marc James, Combat Sport Contributor – Malta Sport Powered by Meridian Bet
