African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) President Eyassu Wossen has backed the Russian-led IBA against Olympic organisers who have said the sport needs a new global body if it is to remain on the programme at future Games.
The International Boxing Association was stripped of recognition by the Swiss-based International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year for failing to implement governance and finance reforms.
The IOC has said boxing will not feature at the 2028 Los Angeles Games unless national federations join a recognised new world body.
The IBA urged national federations on Monday to join legal action in Switzerland against what it called the IOC’s “abusive behaviour”.
“As president of the African Boxing Confederation, I fully express my unwavering support for the International Boxing Association,” Wossen said in a press release issued by IBA on Thursday.
“We strongly oppose the injustices and interference from the IOC in both IBA and AFBC matters.
“I am committed to uniting all African National Federations to stand together with the IBA in facing these challenges and securing a brighter future for the sport. And I believe we will win,” added the Ethiopian, who was elected unopposed last year.
