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≡ ASIAN BOXING CONFEDERATION ≡
An Extraordinary Congress of the Asian Boxing Confederation on Saturday saw the group vote to stay affiliated with the International Boxing Association, with the result causing the ASBC President and Secretary General to resign and a second Asian confederation to be created.
The three-and-a-half hour session in Bangkok (THA) focused on one issue: whether the ASBC is to become an independent organization, not affiliated with the IBA, requiring a change in the ASBC Constitution.
Ultimately, the decision was made to remain affiliated. The voting total showed 10 in favor of independence, 23 against and one abstention (34 votes total).
This was the second time that the ASBC – which has 42 members – has voted to remain with the IBA, although 15 member federations have joined World Boxing. A prior Extraordinary Congress, on 31 August, rejected membership for the ASBC in World Boxing by 21-14, with one invalid vote.
The impact of the decision on Saturday resulted in the resignations of the ASBC President, the Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Pichai Chunhavajira, and Secretary General Ali Salameh (JOR).
Both resignations will be effective as of the end of the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships, to be held in Chiang Mai (THA) from 28 November to 12 December.
In closing remarks to the Congress, Chunhavajira, 75, a long-time executive in the energy industry, told the delegates:
“While I respect the decision made by the Congress today, I must always acknowledge the journey we have undertaken over the course of this Congress to make this crucial decision.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation – my resignation, one more time – as ASBC President, effective after the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Chang Mai.
“I will dedicate myself fully to ensuring that boxing remains in the Olympics, embarking on a new path to protect and promote the sport we all cherish. Thank you for your trust, support and passion for Asian boxing.”
Chunhavajira then added some more remarks just after the meeting was declared formally closed, in his capacity as the head of the Thai Boxing Association:
“I have a short message to deliver to members, you know, not in the ASBC agenda. As a representative of Thailand Boxing Association, and in order to achieve our commitment of safeguarding boxing’s place within the Olympic Movement, I would like to announce the initiation of a new Asian confederation under the umbrella of World Boxing.
“This step is crucial to strengthen the voice of Asia, protecting the rights of our athletes, and ensuring transparent, fair and sustainable futures for our sport. Together we will build a structure that prioritizes the interest of federations and boxers align with Olympic standards, and promote unity and growth across the continent.
“Let’s work together with dedication and transparency to preserve the legacy of Asian boxing and its rightful place in the global Olympic community. I would like to share my idea. Thank you.”
Chunhavajira was elected as the ASBC President in March 2022; Salameh has been ASBC Secretary General since 2019.
All of this is a result of the 2023 expulsion of the IBA from the Olympic Movement and the danger that boxing will not be included on the Olympic program at Los Angeles in 2028. The International Olympic Committee has been clear that it will require a new International Federation to govern Olympic boxing and it will not be the IBA.
World Boxing was formed in November 2023 to take that position, and has 55 members so far, of which 15 are from Asia. That’s the core of the new Asian confederation that Chunhavajira will be leading, but it will need more members to receive IOC recognition.
The IBA, was, of course delighted, with Secretary General Chris Roberts (GBR) noting:
“This is a significant moment for our organization as a whole. The ASBC Congress has spoken loud and clear: Asian nations are committed to staying with the IBA. I’m thrilled to see that the Congress delegates respected the Constitution and stood firm.”
The IOC expects to make a decision about boxing and LA28 in the first quarter of 2025.
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