The “future is bright” for boxing in the hands of the International Boxing Association (IBA), its president says.
The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games is in doubt, while national federations have withdrawn from the IBA.
But after Asian federations voted to stay in the IBA, its president Umar Kremlev said that signalled a “promising future”.
“At this crucial time, we need to be united and strong,” said Kremlev.
Kremlev, previously secretary general of the Russian Boxing Federation, was speaking at the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) congress in Bangkok where 31 of 35 nations voted in favour of remaining in the IBA.
That outcome came on the same day five new sports were approved for the LA 2028 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
However, no decision was taken on boxing’s involvement.
When asked about the prospect of boxing being reintroduced into the Olympics, LA 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman said on Monday: “We’d love to see boxing on the programme.
“But obviously it’s a decision that’s going to be taken by the IOC’s membership, given the complexities that exist with the federation.
“We’re hopeful, but all we can do is wait for the answer.”
The IOC withdrew its recognition of the IBA’s Olympic authority status in June following a long-running dispute over the body’s governance and alleged corruption.
The IBA – previously known as AIBA – appealed against that ruling and there will be a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 16 November.
Great Britain and other nations left the IBA in April, joining breakaway federation World Boxing, over concern for the sport’s Olympic future.
“The Asian continent’s loyalty is invaluable to IBA, signalling a promising future,” Kremlev said on Monday.
“It remains clear that IBA stands at the forefront of boxing development and promotion, unaffected by any external influence or rogue organisation.
“The future is bright, as we all see it, the future is IBA.”
