In a groundbreaking moment for global boxing, World Boxing, the international governing body, has achieved a historic milestone by welcoming 17 new National Federations, bringing its total membership to 100 federations across 106 countries.
This expansion, announced on May 22, 2025, marks a significant step in unifying and advancing the sport worldwide. Among the newly welcomed federations are boxing powerhouses like Cuba, known for its Olympic dominance, and emerging sports nations like Saudi Arabia, alongside Colombia, Austria, Lebanon, Spain, Mexico, and others.
This diverse addition strengthens World Boxing’s global reach and influence. As a result, all new member federations are now eligible to compete in the inaugural World Boxing Elite Men’s and Women’s World Championships in Liverpool this September, setting the stage for an unforgettable showcase of talent and competition.
President of the World Boxing Association, Boris Van de Vorst posted on X: “Today marks a historic milestone for @RealWorldBoxing . With the Executive Board’s approval of 17 new applications, we have officially reached 100 National Federations as members, bringing the total number of countries to 106.”
”I would like to warmly welcome the Boxing Federations of Colombia, Austria, Lebanon, Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Macau, Mauritius, Chile, Venezuela, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and the Irish Athletic Boxing Association into the World Boxing family.”
“World Boxing is advancing by leaps and bounds. The addition of Olympic powerhouse Cuba and a transformative sports nation like Saudi Arabia is a testament to this progress.”
“All new National Federations are now eligible to enter teams in the upcoming inaugural World Boxing Elite Men’s and Women’s World Championships this September in Liverpool. With such an impressive potential lineup of participants, this event promises to be truly unforgettable.”
World Boxing, established in 2023 amid concerns over the governance of the International Boxing Association (IBA), was granted provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in February, and will run the boxing competitions in the 2028 Olympics.
