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My name is Roy Jones Jr. You know me as a successful professional boxer, but I am also an Olympic silver medalist. I could have written “Olympic Champion”, and I still believe I am, but the biased decision robbed me of a desirable title in 1988, and it has never been recognized.
I can’t shut up if boxing isn’t represented in LA 2028’s initial program. Excluding boxing from the Olympics would be nonsense, it would be nothing less than committing a crime. The IOC is threatening us that the future of boxing at the Olympics is in jeopardy because of their relations with the IBA.
However, we all know who destroyed it. His name is CK Wu, he was chairman of the AIBA for many years and at the time also a member of the IOC. Ask yourself how he managed to hide corruption in boxing, the existence of which has been proven by independent experts.
Recently, the IBA Congress voted democratically around the world for the current leadership. This was a clear signal that national federations support the direction in which IBA is moving. No one can make recommendations to Congress; national federations know better which leader they need. Moreover, we should not distinguish people according to their nationality. Some said that “boxing committed suicide”, but in fact this is a big mistake to call it suicide, because our sport was simply killed much earlier!
Those killers have been released, no one has pleaded guilty. The independent investigation showed that many people were involved in wrongdoing, including former IOC member CK Wu, who led AIBA to its collapse; the organization was nearly bankrupt and on the verge of non-existence.
It is unacceptable to blame IBA and its current leadership for lending a hand to boxing at the most difficult moment in its history. Ask yourself if they did something, at least slightly, wrong. I am very happy that IBA is fighting for justice today. Actually, the new IBA does not like empty talk, but actions. The work done in just under 2 years is tremendous, and we’ve all seen it.
To name a few, all debts have been settled and the funds are continuously allocated for the development. With the support of IBA, many countries were able to take their boxers to the World Championships and win medals – wonder if it is an achievement. Fair arbitration and judging is what concerns me most, and you all know why. IBA works tirelessly on past mistakes and makes every effort to avoid them in the future.
The collaboration with the team of an independent expert, Professor McLaren, has paid off; the last two IBA World Championships in Belgrade and Istanbul, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham were the most successful in years in terms of arbitration and adjudication. Ask yourself if it is ordinary or remarkable.
Also, the best and best known experts have been involved in building an open and transparent management system. Recommendations are actively implemented. Within a limited time frame, IBA cleaned up the house and became one of the best international federations in the sports world, tirelessly taking care of its athletes and coaches. Ask yourself if another federation could do at least half in the same short term.
I am convinced that the IBA is on the right track. Make the organization work, let the boxing develop around the world. Let times be bygone! Given the mistakes of the past, the IOC should not impose and dictate to their officials, they should help. I really hope that in the current circumstances, the IOC will reconsider its stance on the situation and cooperate.
We were faced with inequality and biased judgment against us, but the sport of boxing with all its history didn’t deserve it! The entire boxing family must unite in our common fight against injustice. Boxing must be represented in the Olympic program. Generations of athletes should not be punished for the crimes committed by CK Wu and his team.
The IOC must take into account the enormous work the IBA is doing to clear the sport of past problems. I urge the IOC to keep their ears open and listen to the boxing community, which demands transparent and fair decisions. Everyone sees how IBA has changed, but you. I hope my words will be heard. I hope for honesty for every boxer fighting for his dream.
I urge all athletes whether you are an amateur or professional boxer, active or retired, defending or future champion, I urge all coaches, umpires and judges, all national federations and confederations, our dear fans and to all those who love boxing.
Join me, join my #STANDFORBOXING campaign. Our sport has given us everything. It is high time that we give everything to our sport. Stand for boxing, stand for Independent IBA!
Sincerely, Roy Jones Jr.