The Irish Athletic Boxing Affiliation formally severed all remaining ties with the Worldwide Boxing Affiliation (IBA) following a decisive vote at its Annual Normal Assembly in Belfast over the weekend.
81% of members supported the movement to formally finish the IABA’s affiliation with the IBA — a transfer that confirms Eire’s full alignment with World Boxing, the brand new world governing physique shaped to safeguard the game’s Olympic future.
The choice marks the ultimate step in a course of that started final yr when the IABA eliminated all references to the IBA from its structure in October 2024.
Saturday’s vote comes six months after the IABA permitted a proposal to hitch World Boxing, making certain Irish athletes stay eligible to compete on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Video games.
Talking after the vote, IABA Chairperson Niall O’Carroll hailed the choice as a testomony to the energy and unity of Irish boxing golf equipment throughout the nation:
“Right this moment’s vote displays the collective dedication of our members and golf equipment to guard the way forward for Irish boxing on the world stage. It is a historic step that secures our Olympic pathway and reaffirms our dedication to the best requirements of governance, transparency, and athlete welfare. I wish to pay tribute to our golf equipment and volunteers, whose ardour and integrity have introduced us so far.I’ve stated all alongside our members will resolve our future and that’s true at present.”
The Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) had beforehand stripped the IBA of recognition in 2023, citing ongoing failures in governance and monetary transparency. Consequently, the IOC straight oversaw the boxing competitors on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In March, the IOC’s Govt Board beneficial boxing’s inclusion at LA 2028, acknowledging the progress made by World Boxing.
The IABA’s newest vote formally ends a turbulent chapter for Irish novice boxing and cements the affiliation’s dedication to working inside a reformed, athlete-focused world construction.