Lausanne, Switzerland – July 3, 2025 — The International Boxing Association (IBA) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency, good governance, and the unity of boxing in Africa, following recent tensions within the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) and public criticism from one of its own board members.
In a strong statement released from its headquarters in Lausanne, the IBA confirmed the establishment of a Normalisation Committee for the AFBC, citing serious operational and governance breakdowns that had fractured the confederation into rival factions. The decision, first taken unanimously by the IBA Board of Directors on 3 April 2025 and reaffirmed on 5 May 2025, invokes Article 14.5 of the IBA Constitution, which empowers the Board to intervene in cases of dysfunctional governance. “The dysfunction within AFBC could no longer be ignored. We owe it to our National Federations, athletes, and coaches across all regions to uphold integrity and restore stability,” said IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE.
While the IBA emphasized that the move is aimed at systemic reform rather than individual punishment, the organization also took the opportunity to rebuke public remarks made by Mr. Berhanu, an IBA Board Member, who has openly criticized the decision, the IBA President Umar Kremlev, and the work of the Normalisation Committee. “IBA remains committed to unity and transparency. Under President Kremlev’s leadership, we’ve seen concrete advancements in African boxing. Undermining these efforts is both outrageous and disrespectful — it helps no one,” Roberts added.
The IBA has formally called on Mr. Berhanu to refrain from further public criticism and instead honor his obligations as a member of the IBA Board under the organization’s constitutional framework. The Board stressed the importance of collective engagement in the normalization process to ensure a stable and thriving future for boxing across Africa.
This latest development underscores the IBA’s broader push for global reforms, particularly in regions where internal disputes have hindered progress and athlete development. “This decisive action reaffirms IBA’s commitment to safeguarding integrity, transparency, and unity in boxing across Africa and worldwide,” concluded the statement.
About the International Boxing Association (IBA):
Founded in 1946, the IBA is the global governing body of amateur boxing. With an athlete-first approach, it aims to promote, develop, and unify the sport across all continents. Based at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, the IBA works closely with national federations to ensure boxing remains a respected and globally accessible sport.
