International Boxing Organization

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International Boxing Organization
AbbreviationIBO
Formation1988;37 years ago (1988)
Type Private
PurposeBoxing sanctioning organization
Headquarters Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
Region served
Worldwide
President
Ed Levine
Main organ
Board of Directors
Website iboboxing.com

The International Boxing Organization (IBO) is a US based corporation that sanctions professional boxing matches and awards world and regional championships. [1] [2]

Contents

It is an independent organization not recognized by the "big four" governing bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO), who only recognize each other in their rankings and title unification rules. Despite this, as of 2023, IBO titles have been unified with titles of the other bodies in several weight divisions. [2] The WBC website highlights the importance of title recognition and the implications of multiple governing bodies in boxing. While the IBO operates independently, its titles being unified with the WBA, IBF, and WBO in certain divisions demonstrates how these organizations work together despite initial rivalries. [3] [ shallow reference ]

History

The IBO was founded in 1988 and incorporated in Illinois in 1992 by John W. Daddono. The organization was later moved to Florida in 1997 and incorporated in Florida at that time. Ed Levine, who continues to serve as the organization's President became a partner and President of the IBO at that time.

The organization implemented a computerized system 'The Independent World Boxing Rankings' in the late 1990s that removed subjective elements from the ratings in an effort to bring more credibility to the sport. From 2014 the organization now employs Boxrec, the independent boxing records keeper and computerized rankings website to produce IBO's rankings. [4]

The IBO permits only one world champion per weight division. [5] "We have never had more than one champion per weight division nor will we", according to its president Ed Levine. [6]

In addition to world champions, IBO recognizes regional champions, including the Inter-Continental champion. [5] If an IBO Inter-Continental champion successfully defends his title three times, he may receive a mandatory opportunity for the world title. [7]

Characteristics

Championship format

One of the biggest differences between organizations is the IBO's policy to recognize only one world champion in each weight division. In contrast, other organizations like the WBA have been criticized for having multiple championship titles in the same division, confusing fans and fighters alike. For example, the WBA often has "super" champions and regular champions, which muddies the waters of title recognition. [8]

Regional titles

The IBO recognizes regional champions, including the Inter-Continental champion, and provides a clear pathway for these fighters to challenge for the world title after successful defenses.

Credibility and transparency

IBO claims their use of technology in rankings improves transparency and credibility in boxing. [9] The other sanctioning bodies, such as the WBC and WBA, have long and storied histories, but both have come under fire for some of their rankings, which many argue are more reflective of promoters' and political influences than fighters' actual abilities. [10]

Notable past IBO champions

Current IBO world title holders

As of October 19, 2024

Male

Weight class:Champion:Reign began:Days
Minimumweight vacant
Light flyweight Mpumelelo TshabalalaSeptember 14, 2024332
Flyweight Ricardo Malajika March 1, 2025164
Super flyweight Ricardo Malajika September 2, 2023710
Bantamweight vacant
Super bantamweight Shabaz Masoud November 2, 2024283
Featherweight Dayan Gonzalez December 6, 2024249
Super featherweight Anthony Cacace September 24, 20221053
Lightweight vacant
Super lightweight Adam Azim February 2, 2025192
Welterweight Tulani Mbenge October 19, 2024297
Super welterweight Uisma Lima December 12, 2024243
Middleweight Chris Eubank Jr October 12, 2024304
Super middleweight Osleys Iglesias December 9, 2022977
Light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol February 23, 2025171
Cruiserweight vacant
Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk September 25, 20211417

Female

Weight class:Champion:Reign began:Days
Minimumweight Sarah Bormann May 21, 20221179
Light flyweight Nina Radovanović March 23, 2024507
Flyweight Nicola Hopewell July 19, 202524
Super flyweight Angelica Lukas5 October 2024311
Bantamweight Amanda Galle December 10, 2023611
Super bantamweight Ellie Scotney January 25, 2025199
Featherweight Amanda Serrano March 25, 20211601
Super featherweight Alycia Baumgardner November 13, 20211368
Lightweight Caroline Dubois September 30, 2023682
Super lightweight Katie Taylor May 20, 2023815
Welterweight Lauren Price May 11, 2024458
Super welterweight Oshae Jones November 22, 2024263
Middleweight vacant
Super middleweight vacant
Light heavyweight vacant
Cruiserweight vacant
Heavyweight vacant

See also

References

  1. "Official website - International Boxing Organization". iboboxing.com. Archived from the original on 2006-11-03. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  2. 1 2 Mannix, Chris (July 21, 2023). "Does Boxing Need Another Major Title?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
  3. "World Boxing Council".
  4. "IBO Top 100 - Computerized Rankings - International Boxing Organization". Saddoboxing. Archived from the original on 2016-10-28. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  5. 1 2 "Ibo Rules & Regulations". Archived from the original on 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  6. "Ed Levine Interview 16 August 2016". OnTheRopesBoxing.com. August 16, 2016. Archived from the original on 15 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  7. "Ed Levine Interview 15 May 2014". OnTheRopesBoxing.com. May 15, 2014. Archived from the original on 15 April 2018. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  8. "WBA Boxing". 11 February 2009.
  9. "International Boxing Organization".
  10. Barra, Allen (24 November 1999). "Corruption Is the No. 1 Contender". The New York Times .