As a profession I have held a long and unique position in the sporting world of boxing, here locally and that of a European Level. Boxing is widely celebrated for its discipline, resilience, and the way it brings together communities across borders. In Malta, as in many parts of Europe, the sport is woven into the cultural fabric, offering young people purpose, structure, and the chance to achieve greatness. My own journey in boxing, spanning over two and a half decades, has been defined greatly by these values.
It is with this deep sense of commitment that I reflect on the recent and significant changes in the governance of Olympic boxing. A subject that deserves the attention and understanding of the wider and greater public.
For much of modern history, the International Boxing Association (AIBA/IBA) was the global authority for amateur boxing, responsible for organizing regional (European) and world championships and ensuring that boxers from all backgrounds could compete at the highest level, including the Olympic Games. AIBA’s legacy is not to be dismissed lightly! It has not only provided me a platform to rehabilitate, but for the countless of athletes, coaches, and officials that have pursued their ambitions as I did. However, as with many long-standing institutions, AIBA encountered serious challenges.
Over the past decade, the organization (IBA) has been beset by allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency. These issues did not merely tarnish its reputation. They threatened the very future of Olympic boxing. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), acting in the best interests of athletes and the integrity of the Olympic Games, ultimately withdrew AIBA’s right to oversee Olympic boxing. This was a sobering moment for all who care deeply about the sport. In the wake of this crisis, World Boxing was established to safeguard boxing’s Olympic future. Under the leadership of President Boris van der Vorst.
World Boxing has brought a renewed sense of purpose and integrity to the sport of Olympic Boxing. The organisation has prioritised ethical governance, transparency, and most importantly, the welfare of its athletes. These reforms are not just administrative; they are fundamental to restoring trust among boxers, coaches, national federations, and fans. World Boxing’s recognition by the IOC is a clear signal that the sport is moving in the right direction. The new body has already expanded its membership globally, embraced modern standards for judging and anti-doping, and created a more inclusive and fairer environment for all participants.
It is also worth noting that the inaugural World Boxing Championships took place was month in Liverpool, at the M&S Bank Arena. This historic event, running from 4th to 14th September 2025, marks the first time World Boxing is hosting its own global championships for elite men and women.
Did you know? Over 500 boxers from more than 60 countries are competing, showcasing the sport’s renewed vitality and global reach.
For the public, this means that boxing is being protected from the mistakes of the past and is positioned to offer fair competition and opportunity for all. Of course, as a young organisation, World Boxing faces challenges in building tradition and operational depth. I believe it will continue to earn the trust of the global boxing community and will demonstrate that its reforms are lasting. The early signs are very promising. The leadership’s willingness to engage openly with stakeholders and prioritise the interests of athletes is already making a significant impact.
As a lifelong advocate for boxing in both it’s forms, I am encouraged by these developments. I am confident that, with continued vigilance and a commitment to ethical leadership, Olympic boxing will not only survive again within the summer games but will also thrive for the generations to come, offering us hope to remain within the Olympic Movement (History of the Olympics), opportunity, and inspiration to athletes and fans everywhere.
By Marc James, Combat Sport Contributor – Malta Sport Powered by Meridian Bet
