World Boxing has announced the creation of a new Asian confederation to represent and promote the sport in the region. The move follows the decision by Thailand Boxing Association President Pichai Chunhavajira to step down from the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) due to challenges in securing its independence from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst described the development as a "historic moment" for the sport, emphasizing the potential for growth in Asia. “We are thrilled to take this step towards empowering boxing in Asia,” van der Vorst said. “We are confident that the new Asian boxing confederation will thrive and further elevate the sport in the region.”
Gennady Golovkin, chair of the World Boxing Olympic Commission, also voiced support for the new organization. “It is a privilege to have a clean breakthrough organization for Asia,” Golovkin said. “Asian Boxing will with dedication advance the sport in Asia and undoubtedly make a lasting impact.”
The new confederation aims to unite stakeholders under principles of independence, fairness and athlete-first decision-making. World Boxing will collaborate with the group to support its objectives and promote the sport globally.
World Boxing, founded in April 2023, has been actively working to secure boxing’s Olympic future. Its Olympic Commission, chaired by Golovkin, was announced in September as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the sport’s reinstatement in the Olympic Games.