IBA welcomes ASBC's decision to remain within the organisation. IBA

The International Boxing Association applauded the decision by the Asian Boxing Confederation Congress to remain within its structure and not align with World Boxing. The vote took place on Saturday 31 August in the United Arab Emirates with 36 National Federations participating.

The first order of business during the event, which was chaired by ASBC secretary general Al Ali Salameh, ASBC president Pichai Chunhavajira and vice president Aziz Kozhambetov was for the ASBC National Federations to vote on whether to join World Boxing. Of the 36 national federations present, 14 voted in favour, 21 voted against and one did not vote. As a result, the ASBC will not be joining the US-based organisation, at least for the time being.

In a statement following the decision, the IBA said it "appreciates the diversity of viewpoints of the national federations" and supports the decision of the majority. Following this outcome, the IBA will continue to provide resources including methodology, expertise and funding to further develop the sport.

Image from the last IBA Night of Champions in Havana. GETTY IMAGES
Image from the last IBA Night of Champions in Havana. GETTY IMAGES

After the Congress, the IBA stressed that "the politically motivated intentions to join the World Boxing Federation, supported by some of its members, are reckless". It maintains its stance on the "damage" the IBA believes "a move towards World Boxing could cause".

In its Saturday statement, the IBA also reiterated the concerns that it had raised several months ago about the pressure that some National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are under from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IBA said: "Threats to cut funding if NOCs remain with the IOC are against the best interests of athletes. They are depriving their own athletes of the opportunities provided by the IBA."

The IBA claims that World Boxing "lacks the finances, experience and support to organise significant events, has no means to support its members and does not intend to develop boxing."

The ASBC Congress held on 31 August in the United Arab Emirates. IBA
The ASBC Congress held on 31 August in the United Arab Emirates. IBA

The uncertainty surrounding boxing's future in the Olympic programme is now one of the factors causing doubt among federations, organisations, fans and boxers. The IBA took the opportunity to emphasise: "Boxing cannot survive without world championships and continental events, without competitions for elite, youth and junior age groups". In this regard, the IBA states that "World Boxing cannot guarantee anything."

As such, the IBA's final position includes a warning to the national federations: "If a federation decides to leave, there will be no going back."