World Boxing Launches New Asian Confederation

World Boxing has announced the establishment of a new Asian Confederation to represent and promote boxing across the region.

Pichai Chunhavajira, who recently resigned from the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) due to challenges in securing its independence from the International Boxing Association (IBA), expressed support for the initiative.

Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, called the move a “historic moment” for the sport. “We are thrilled to take this step towards empowering boxing in Asia. We are confident that the new Asian boxing confederation will thrive and further elevate the sport in the region,” he said.

Gennadiy Golovkin, Chair of the World Boxing Olympic Commission and a celebrated champion, also endorsed the confederation. “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.”

World Boxing plans to work closely with the new confederation to uphold principles of independence, fairness, and athlete-centered decision-making. The organization reiterated its commitment to promoting the sport globally while ensuring its inclusion in future Olympic Games.

World Boxing was founded in April 2023 and has since collaborated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On May 7, 2024, it held its first formal meeting with the IOC to develop a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympics. On September 26, 2024, World Boxing established an Olympic Commission, chaired by Golovkin, to further this effort.