WB Chief Warns of Major Hurdles Ahead for Boxing's Olympic Comeback

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Greater Noida: As the World Boxing (WB) prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, its outgoing president Boris Van Der Vorst has sounded a warning about the numerous challenges that lie ahead. Ensuring competition integrity, securing funds, and staging major events will be the top priorities for the new leadership, according to Van Der Vorst. The WB's third annual Congress is set to take place in Rome on November 23, where a new president will be elected. Gennadiy Golovkin from Kazakhstan and Mariolis Charilaos from Greece are in the running for the role, while Van Der Vorst has decided not to stand for a second term. "The biggest challenge we face is ensuring competition integrity," Van Der Vorst said, citing the need for modern technology, such as AI, to enhance bout reviews and restore trust among fans, boxers, coaches, and officials. "We need to show the world that we can organize high-quality competitions, like the Youth Olympic Games next year in Dakar, and secure full recognition from the IOC," he added. Van Der Vorst also highlighted the need for increased funding to support the growth of boxing, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics. "We still don't have all the national federations on board, so we'll continue to develop and expand our organization," he said. India, which joined the WB a year ago, has been praised by Van Der Vorst as a key partner in the organization's growth. "India was one of the first Asian national federations to join us, and it's a huge reward to be here in India to show that it's a real part of the WB," he said. Under Van Der Vorst's leadership, the WB has made significant progress, including securing provisional recognition from the IOC and getting boxing re-included in the 2028 Olympics. "Getting national federations on board, setting governance, and organizing competitions have been huge milestones for us," he said. Van Der Vorst has also praised India's emerging status as a powerhouse in boxing, particularly after the country's women boxers won four medals at the World Championships in Liverpool. "India is an emerging powerhouse, not just in women's boxing but also in men's boxing," he said, predicting that the country will win medals in LA and Brisbane. Van Der Vorst will remain involved with the WB, even after stepping down as president. "It's never about my ego or position; it's always about achieving our goal to keep boxing in the Olympics," he said.