World Boxing has expanded its global reach by approving seven new nations to its membership, pushing its total to 51. The latest additions—Andorra, Belgium, Iraq, Lithuania, Madagascar, Kyrgyzstan, and Thailand - reflect the organization’s commitment to keeping boxing within the Olympic Games, according to World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst.
"This milestone of surpassing 50 members demonstrates both the demand for reform in global boxing and the broad recognition that boxing must remain part of the Olympic Games," van der Vorst stated.
The announcement coincides with the first-ever U19 World Boxing Championships, taking place in Pueblo, Colorado, until November 2. The tournament, held at Pueblo Convention Center, will be followed by World Boxing's second annual Congress on November 3. The organization, which was founded in April 2023, appointed former middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin to head its Olympic Commission - a role focused on reinstating boxing in the Olympics.
With momentum building, van der Vorst expressed confidence in welcoming additional countries to World Boxing soon, highlighting that "joining World Boxing is the only way to ensure that boxers can pursue their dreams of competing on the biggest stage in sport at the Olympic Games."
Image Credit: World Boxing