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International Boxing Organization

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International Boxing Organization
AbbreviationIBO
Formation1988; 36 years ago (1988)
TypePrivate
PurposeBoxing sanctioning organization
HeadquartersCoral Gables, Florida, U.S.
Region served
Worldwide
President
Ed Levine
Main organ
Board of Directors
Websiteiboboxing.com

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

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]

History

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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

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Championship format

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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

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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

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IBO's utilization of technology in rankings goes a long way toward 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

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Current IBO world title holders

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As of October 19, 2024

Male

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Weight class: Champion: Reign began: Days
Minimumweight vacant
Light flyweight vacant
Flyweight Jackson Chauke January 27, 2024 316
Super flyweight Ricardo Malajika September 2, 2023 462
Bantamweight vacant
Super bantamweight Shabaz Masoud November 2, 2024 35
Featherweight Hector Andres Sosa July 22, 2023 504
Super featherweight Anthony Cacace September 24, 2022 805
Lightweight vacant
Super lightweight Zhankosh Turarov March 21, 2023 627
Welterweight Tulani Mbenge October 19, 2024 49
Super welterweight vacant
Middleweight Chris Eubank Jr October 12, 2024 56
Super middleweight Osleys Iglesias December 09, 2022 729
Light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev October 12, 2024 56
Cruiserweight Yves Ngabu September 09, 2023 455
Heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk September 25, 2021 1169

Female

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Weight class: Champion: Reign began: Days
Minimumweight Sarah Bormann May 21, 2022 931
Light flyweight Nina Radovanović 23 March, 2024 259
Flyweight Marie Connan 27 April, 2024 224
Super flyweight vacant
Bantamweight Amanda Galle December 10, 2023 363
Super bantamweight Mea Motu April 27, 2023 590
Featherweight Amanda Serrano March 25, 2021 1353
Super featherweight Alycia Baumgardner November 13, 2021 1120
Lightweight Caroline Dubois September 30, 2023 434
Super lightweight Katie Taylor May 20, 2023 567
Welterweight Lauren Price May 11, 2024 210
Super welterweight Femke Hermans December 12, 2022 722
Middleweight vacant
Super middleweight vacant
Light heavyweight vacant
Cruiserweight vacant
Heavyweight vacant

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Official website - International Boxing Organization". iboboxing.com. Archived from the original on 2006-11-03. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  2. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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".
  9. ^ "International Boxing Organization".
  10. ^ Barra, Allen. "Corruption Is the No. 1 Contender".
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