The Russian fight scene, while not overly active in comparison with some other hotbeds of boxing, is also a scene of ongoing tug of war between various sanctioning bodies – thanks to its geography, population and tremendous boxing tradition.
A good share of minor affiliates of grosser organizations does their best to enhance its stance within the world’s biggest country. Some – like WBC Commonwealth of Independent States and Slovenian Boxing Bureau – are almost uniquely linked to Russia and its neighbors.
A new player has just entered the game, as Eurasian Boxing Parliament (EBP, and some imagination put in with a latter word), led by former WBC vice-president Mikhail Denisov, has been reportedly been granted an affiliation with the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
“The IBF agrees to recognize Eurasian Boxing Parliament (EBP) as a Continental Boxing Federation and will consider including EBP Champion in the IBF world ratings subject to the IBF Ratings Criteria and the decision of the Ratings Chairman. The IBF further agrees to consider expanding our duties to include other affiliated organizations of the EBP," reported Mikhail Denisov.
The IBF also announcing a brand new continental title of the Baltic region, the IBF Baltic Title.
Boxers from nine countries could compete for this title: Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Also the fighters who holds the licence with the federations of the countries members of Baltic region are also eligible to participate in the Baltic championships.
