Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru has urged the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association (FABA) and the Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) to find an amicable way to work with the International Boxing Association (IBA) amid ongoing tensions surrounding the international body.
“I’m calling on the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association and Boxing Commission of Fiji to find an amicable solution on how they can work with IBA moving forward,” Saukuru stated.
He emphasized that collaboration between these bodies could help Fiji produce more boxing talents in the future. ”
We have produced some great boxers in the past like Sakaria Ve and many others, but only with a good amateur background can these boxers excel as professionals,” Sakuru added.
Fiji’s lightweight champion, Mikaele Ravalaca, recently participated in the IBA World Championship, signaling Fiji’s recognition and re-registration with IBA, according to coach Osea Nanovu.
The reality for FABA
However, for the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association, working with the IBA is deemed impossible following IBA’s expulsion from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2023.
Any association with IBA risks jeopardising Fiji’s chances of participating in IOC-sanctioned events such as the Pacific Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games.
FABA national coach Cam Todd has issued a stern warning that any boxer, official, manager, or trainer found associating with IBA risks removal from FABA.
“Anyone boxer, coach, manager or official found associating with IBA risks removal from FABA,” Todd said.
While he respects individual choices to join IBA programs or tournaments, he cautioned that doing so means forfeiting Pacific Games, Commonwealth, and Olympic aspirations.
“The only way to the Olympics is through FABA, the only registered amateur boxing body in Fiji recognized by FASANOC and the IOC,” Todd affirmed.
Reports of IBA corruption and expulsion
The International Boxing Association’s expulsion from the Olympic movement was driven by serious concerns over governance, financial transparency, and judging integrity.
Investigations revealed recurrent controversies regarding biased judging, manipulation of results, and lack of accountability within the IBA leadership.
These issues culminated in the IOC’s decision in June 2023 to remove IBA’s authority over Olympic boxing and its qualifiers, aiming to preserve the integrity of the sport on the Olympic stage.
Todd stands by the IOC’s decision as he has witnessed first hand the corruption in the organisation.
“There’s a lot of corruption within the IBA which was a big reason why they were suspended and having had a long experience with IBA that corruption is still there,” Todd stated.
However Fijian boxing coach Osea Nanovu stated that Fiji boxing had thrived under IBA and with the organisation revival, IOC and WBO wary that it may become the leading international boxing body once more.
Benefits for countries staying with IBA
Despite these governance challenges, many countries have chosen to maintain their association with IBA due to certain benefits:
Access to a Broad Range of Competitions: IBA organises numerous international tournaments that welcome both amateur and professional boxers, providing athletes with extensive opportunities to compete globally.
Professional and Financial Opportunities: IBA events frequently offer prize money, enabling boxers to earn income while developing their careers, which is less common in pure amateur circuits.
Development programs and support: IBA continues to provide training programs, coaching clinics, and development assistance to member countries, fostering growth at various levels.
Global recognition outside olympic framework: For countries or athletes less focused on the Olympic pathway, IBA remains a widely recognized international boxing platform with considerable reach and influence.
Categories of Fiji boxers and IBA Association
Given FABA’s strict stance, association with IBA will mainly fall into two categories:
Professional boxers
IBA’s tournaments are open to both amateur and professional boxers. Mikaele Ravalaca’s participation in the IBA World Championships, which included both categories, exemplifies this.
The Boxing Commission of Fiji, as the only recognized professional boxing body, should consider engaging with IBA to provide local boxers with more opportunities to compete internationally and gain experience against quality opponents.
Local trainer Nanovu advocates for Fiji’s renewed engagement with IBA, highlighting that despite its exclusion from the Olympic movement, IBA remains recognized in many countries worldwide.
“Right now, IBA is the second boxing body in these countries, Australia, New Zealand, PNG, Solomon Island and Tonga and with Mika’ (Ravalaca) here at the IBA World Championships Fiji will now have two boxing bodies, the IBA and WBO,” Nanovu said.
Amateur boxers transitioning to professional
For amateurs aiming to turn professional, IBA tournaments offer ideal stepping stones.
Since the Olympics and other IOC events are no longer a priority or feasible goals for these athletes, IBA competitions provide quality international competition, exposure, and the prospect of earning prize money.
Fiji’s History with IBA
Fiji’s affiliation with IBA dates to the 1950s, a relationship that ended in 2023 after the IOC expelled IBA over issues related to governance, financial transparency, and concerns about judging integrity.
With IBA no longer managing Olympic boxing or its qualifiers, FABA aligned itself with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to preserve access to IOC-sanctioned events such as the Pacific Games and the Olympics.
Benefits of Fiji aligning with IBA:
Provides additional international competition opportunities for professional and transitioning boxers.
Opens pathways for Fiji boxers to gain exposure and experience on a larger stage.
Potential for prize money and professional growth through IBA-sanctioned events.
Could help grow boxing in Fiji by expanding the range of competition.
Access to IBA’s development programs and global network.
Risks:
Association with IBA risks disqualification from IOC-sanctioned events, including the Olympics, Pacific Games, and Commonwealth Games.
FABA may remove any members associating with IBA, causing internal conflict.
The expulsion of IBA from the Olympic movement raises concerns over governance and integrity.
Aligning with IBA could isolate Fiji from the internationally recognized amateur boxing framework.
Conclusion
The challenge for Fiji boxing lies in balancing the opportunities provided by IBA’s international platform for professionals and those transitioning from amateur status, against the strict requirements and recognition standards of IOC-aligned bodies.
Finding a cooperative and strategic approach between FABA, BCF, and IBA will be crucial for the future development of boxing talents in Fiji.
As Minister Saukuru advocates, an amicable solution could unlock new potential for Fiji’s boxing community while safeguarding athletes’ aspirations on the Olympic and Commonwealth stages.
