IBA dismissal affirmed

MANILA, Philippines —  The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by the International Boxing Association against the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) withdrawing recognition of IBA as the international federation for the sport of boxing.

And the development could pave the way for the full emergence of World Boxing, of which Ricky Vargas, chairman of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, is a member of the Executive Board, as the duly IOC-recognized international federation for boxing.

“World Boxing (WB) welcomes the decision by CAS to revoke the recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the subsequent comments made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stating that it wishes to work with a new International Federation,” the organization commented in a statement.

“This is the last remaining hope for the sport to maintain its Olympic status beyond Paris 2024. There is no alternative,” World Boxing added.

Vargas, founding president of ABAP, is encouraging other national federations to register with World Boxing, to which ABAP has aligned with from the start.

“The CAS and IOC have spoken – a new international federation that conforms to the ideals and goals of IOC is needed to fill the void and make sure boxing remains with the Olympics from Paris onward,” said Vargas.