Egypt, Gambia, Kiribati and Grenada have joined the ranks of World Boxing, taking the organization’s total number of members to 72. 

The executive board of World Boxing has approved applications from the four nations, increasing the number of members in Africa and, with the addition of Kiribati, improving the number of countries from Oceania to seven.

The president of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, said: “The approval of four more applications is a sign of the continued progress of World Boxing and the widespread desire for change that exists across the sport. 

“It is clear that the only way that boxing will continue to be part of the Olympic movement is for National Federations to support World Boxing and it is good to see that boxing leaders from all parts of the world recognize this and are applying to join us. 

“We are continuing to process applications from National Federations across the world. I urge all boxing leaders that want to ensure their boxers have the opportunity to compete at a future Olympic Games to seek to be part of World Boxing.” 

World Boxing launched in 2023, and has 72 national federations.