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Philippines, 17 Jun 2025 |
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IBA fully supports and endorses sex testing initiatives and invites all boxing bodies to embrace the same PhilBoxing.com Mon, 02 Jun 2025 Lausanne, Switzerland – The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been advocating for equality for many years and is pleased to see that the only right approach regarding the subject heading has been adopted by other boxing bodies. Following the gender row issue at Paris 2024 and huge resonance and impact it had on the sport of boxing, the united response from all boxing bodies was absolutely necessary; we welcome the most recent statements to embrace the eligibility processes IBA has already established and urge all boxing bodies to join the intention to make our sport fair. 'We wholeheartedly welcome those proactive steps that align with IBA’s longstanding framework, especially regarding the rigorous sex testing protocols that have been a cornerstone of our practices for the past 3 years,’ said IBA Secretary General & CEO, Mr. Chris Roberts OBE. ‘By upholding these measures, we not only fortify the safety and welfare of our athletes but also ensure a level playing field where every competitor has an equal opportunity to excel without being unlawfully deprived. The commitment to continual improvement in testing standards underscores our shared vision for an inclusive and transparent boxing environment.' Mr. Roberts OBE stressed that IBA cares about all boxers in the first instance and wishes that the highest standards of integrity are maintained wherever our boxers are competing. 'In tandem with sex testing, we are encouraged by the announcement of comprehensive age and weight testing protocols; surprisingly over the past few years, we have seen boxers from certain countries who have indeed attempted to falsify age and passport credentials. These measures, again already aligned to IBA, promise to further reinforce fair competition for all athletes with standardized benchmarks. We look forward to this collaborative approach, knowing that this will undoubtedly benefit our National Federations and the boxers they represent,' Mr. Roberts continued. Regarding the contentious issues that emerged during the Paris 2024 Olympics, the IBA remains unwavering in its decisions. We stand firmly by our assessments and intentions. Notably, as World Boxing is set to receive identical results from these evaluations, we anticipate a forthcoming gesture of accountability - a formal apology from those athletes whose actions, inadvertently or otherwise, diverted well-deserved Olympic accolades away from our rightful female boxers. Over the nearly three years of painstaking experience and insight in navigating these complex issues, IBA’s governance and commitment to integrity have only strengthened. We continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our athletes, championing decisions that uphold fairness, respect, and the true spirit of competitive sports. 'Our endorsement of collaborative initiatives reflects our deep-rooted commitment to enhancing athlete safety and competitive integrity. Through meticulous testing protocols, we are working to create an environment where fairness prevails, and every participant is respected. Equally, our firm stance on decisions arising from the Paris Olympics is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding the legacy of our female boxers. Together, these endeavours not only enhance our shared mission of transparency and fairness but also pave the way for the continued evolution and excellence of the sport,' Roberts concluded. IBA encourages further reaction from international boxing governing bodies in alignment with eligibility rules to make boxing the pioneer sport in securing highest integrity standards for athletes in terms of gender eligibility.  |
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