D-DAY has arrived for Irish boxing - with delegates from across the country set to decide whether to stick or twist as Ireland’s Olympic future hangs in the balance.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is currently aligned with the International Boxing Association (IBA), but an Extraordinary General Meeting will take place at Dublin’s National Stadium on Saturday to decide if that remains the case.
Against the backdrop of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to expel the IBA from the Olympic movement in June, the ground has been constantly shifting at the top end of the sport.
A new rival body, World Boxing, was set up in a bid to secure the sport’s Olympic future after boxing was originally left off the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. And now Ireland has the opportunity to join the breakaway body, even if it means possible IBA suspension.
Two votes will be taken at the National Stadium, the first a special resolution to amend the current constitution, as the IABA is currently governed by the IBA.
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A change would grant delegates the freedom to decide whether or not to move to another organisation, either now or in the future.
Hence, the second vote is whether or not to join World Boxing. A formal decision to change the constitution would require support from 75 per cent of delegates present at the EGM. Of its 355 clubs, 145 have registered for the EGM. Should they all attend, 117 need to vote in favour of changing the constitution for change to happen.
Should delegates vote in favour of a move to World Boxing, the IABA also intends to retain an affiliation with the IBA.
A series of roadshows took place at the end of last month, with many of the same questions across the country – about the current stage of development of World Boxing, the long-term impact on young boxers seeking international experience, and potential ramifications of remaining with the IBA on future Olympic participation and funding for the sport.
