World Boxing Association President Gilberto Mendoza went public with his alliance as the amateur dispute continued amidst a wave of defection.
The USA and GB Boxing programs, two of the most high-profile in the world, have left IBA [formerly AIBA] to join World Boxing. Their respective moves were echoed by many other nations in a row over reform.
Until confirming its plans to self-administer significant changes, IBA had been involved in a storm over judging and bout fixing, alongside several other accusations.
This led to the formation of World Boxing after the International Olympic Committee [IOC] threatened to expel the sport from future games. World Boxing is a direct rival to IBA and plans to focus efforts on keeping boxing at the Olympics indefinitely.
As for IBA, the organization has condemned the breakaway faction for luring away several major contributors to the medal table. It retains hope that it can still keep some star names moving forward.
This Tuesday, Mendoza, who has clashed with the World Boxing Council on his decision to support IBA, was present at the Continental Boxing Championship in Cali.
It’s an event that came with an invitation from the IBA in which the best amateur fighters of the region participate.
The WBA figurehead attended the finals of the youth category, which took place during the day. He sat alongside the leader of IBA, Umar Kremlev. He joined different presidents of national federations who also support IBA, such as Alberto Torres from Colombia.
World Boxing Association President sides with IBA in Olympic row
WBA chiefs offered the following statement on his participation at the event.
“For Mendoza, amateur boxing is a branch that must be supported one hundred percent. For that reason, he attended to see up close the relay talent and share with the athletes present.
“They all showed their affection to the executive. The boxers are the great protagonists of all this. That is why we leaders must always be close to them.”
Mendoza added: “Amateur boxing is very important. We have always made it a priority. It is nice to feel the warmth and to be present with so many talents in this tournament.
“It was a great opportunity to see new faces. To meet again with boxers, he already knows. Those fighters who have participated in WBA programs such as the Future Champions held in Medellin during 2020.
“Fighters like Vicky Davila, Lucas Fernandez, Tayoni Cedeno, and Yoel Finol, among others. They were in the camp and continue to live in the elite of amateur boxing.”
The Boxing Continental has the presence of all the delegations of the region and will end this August 9 with the elite finals.
As the amateur boxing world splits into us vs them, the IOC will have to decide whether the countries aligned with IBA or World Boxing will have to miss out on future Olympics.
It’s hard to see how both sides can be accommodated in the current hostile environment.
