THE Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has reaffirmed that World Boxing (WB) is the sole international boxing body recognised in Fiji as the official pathway for amateur boxers aiming to compete in the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and Pacific Games—not the International Boxing Association (IBA).
FASANOC CEO Vanessa Kilner cleared the air on the issue amidst the on-going boxing saga of Fiji’s re-registration with the IBA.
“As the National Olympic Committee for Fiji we take our cue from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). And IOC they recognise World Boxing and they no longer recognise IBA,” Kilner explained.
“And the reason for that is that there’s been a history of issues and so globally World Boxing has come up through their governance process and through their structure and the International Olympic Committee now recognises them.” This IOC stance has become the standard adopted by all national Olympic committees, including Fiji, to ensure a clear pathway for boxers to participate in IOC-sanctioned events.
“In Fiji we have chosen World Boxing, and this means is that the pathway to the Olympics and other IOC sanctioned events is very clear,” she said.
“Unfortunately, IBA members cannot participate, they simply do not meet the criteria that was put down.”
For local amateur boxers aiming to compete in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Pacific Games, or Olympic Games, Kilner advises following the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association’s regulations to secure a clear route to these IOC-sanctioned competitions.
“At a local level the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association is who you need to align with in terms of amateur boxing,” she explained.
“In terms of what the rules and the governance structure on the competition that they participate in, it’s clear or it’s safe to say that if you participate in World Boxing sanctioned events your pathway and support is going to be strengthened.
Kilner urged all boxers considering or having been invited to compete in IBA-sanctioned events or those organised by other boxing bodies outside World Boxing to immediately consult the Fiji Amateur Boxing Association.
They should confirm whether such participation could jeopardise their eligibility for the Commonwealth or Olympic Games.
