As a member of IBA, the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) was left in the cold with some boxers quitting amateur boxing to join the professional ranks. But things seem to be changing for the better after the IOC granted provisional recognition to World Boxing (WB), the international federation responsible for governing boxing worldwide within the Olympic movement. The announcement, made last Wednesday, marks a turning point in the recent history of Olympic sport, which had been in jeopardy due to conflicts between the IOC and the IBA.
According to a statement from the IOC, the decision was made following a thorough assessment of the World Boxing’s situation. BoBA president, Gilbert Khunwane, welcomed the development. However, Khunwane said BoBA is not affiliated with World Boxing, but it is something on the table and they will see how things will unfold. “IBA executive committee will take action as to whether to join WB or not. But at the same time, IBA allows us to join any federation recognised by IOC for boxing affairs. Even if we join WB, we will not lose our IBA membership,” he told MmegiSport. Khunwane said with the new changes, they would need to communicate with the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) as to when to submit boxers for IOC scholarships. In June 2023, the IOC voted to formally revoke its recognition of the IBA, due to a lack of sufficient progress on addressing governance, finance, and corruption concerns since the original suspension. The IBA became the first international federation to ever be expelled from the Olympic movement.
Meanwhile, the boxing team that competed at the just ended Zone IV championships in Maputo, Mozambique, finished in position two, returning home with two gold medals through Kobamelo Molatlhegi and Keobakeng Philip. The team also won two silver medals from Gift Modise and Kutlwano Sekhutlo whilst Ribbin Modise, Mmoloki Sekwaipe and Letlhogonolo Makgolela settled for bronze. Molatlhegi emerged as the best boxer of the tournament whilst Linda Tone was adjudged the referee of the tournament. Mozambique retained the Zone IV title after netting 10 gold, five silver and three bronze medals. Eswatini took home five gold, three silver and eight bronze medals. Lesotho put up a fierce battle to win two gold medals, a silver medal, and five bronze medals. The going was tough for the island of Seychelles as they only managed to grab one gold and one silver medal.
