Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Uzbekistan has become a member of World Boxing, officially leaving the International Boxing Association (IBA).

World Boxing approved the applications of the national boxing federations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Guatemala, and Laos for membership in the organization.

As a result, the total number of countries participating in World Boxing has reached 55.

This announcement was made following the second annual Congress of World Boxing, which took place on 3 November 2024, in Pueblo, Colorado, USA.

The inclusion of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both prominent powers in the world of boxing, marks a significant achievement for World Boxing.

Uzbekistan has excelled in boxing at the last two Olympic Games, topping the medal table in Paris with five gold medals. Kazakhstan is also widely recognized as one of the strongest boxing nations.

World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst noted, “At the second Congress of World Boxing, we are pleased to welcome four new countries, which I am sure will play an important role in our mission to preserve boxing in the Olympic movement.”

“Just last week, we announced the acceptance of seven new members, bringing us over the threshold of 50 countries. The addition of four more federations, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, right after that highlights the growing interest in our organization from the global boxing community,” he added.

He also emphasized, “It is evident that a shift is underway, with more national federations seeking to join World Boxing, realizing that this is the only way to preserve the Olympic prospects of their boxers.”

It is important to note that Uzbekistan’s decision to join World Boxing is connected to the fact that, starting in 2028, IBA members will be barred from participating in the Olympic Games.