Lausanne, Switzerland, March 25 — The International Boxing Association welcomes the recent shift in approach by the International Olympic Committee regarding athlete participation criteria, recognizing it as a significant step toward reinforcing fairness and integrity in women’s sports.

Earlier in 2025 The executive order of USA President Donald Trump “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” regarding the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 proved that the IBA stood firm, rightfully protecting female boxers from unfair competition.

On Thursday, after a a long road to common sense,  the IOC has announced a new Policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport and Guiding Considerations for International Federations and Sports Governing Bodies.

IBA views the IOC’s position as a validation of the principles the IBA has upheld for years and as an important moment for international sport. The IBA stands ready to work with all stakeholders to promote consistent, transparent, and fair standards across all competitions.

Umar Kremlev, President of the IBA:

“Finally, this era of such erosion of integrity in sports is over. The IOC simply had no other choice. For years, they turned a blind eye to what was destroying the very meaning of women’s sports, and now they are forced to correct their own mistakes.

It is a victory for common sense that the IOC has finally arrived at the same principles the IBA has defended for years. We established clear participation criteria long before it became ‘obvious’ to the rest of the world. We have always protected our female athletes, especially when others chose silence or political convenience.

We must save women’s sports. Gender equality must be absolute. Athletes deserve to compete on a level playing field, knowing their rights are non-negotiable. This is about justice, respect, and the very survival of women’s competition.”

The IBA emphasizes that it has long championed policies designed to ensure fair competition and protect the rights of athletes, particularly in women’s boxing. The association has consistently maintained that clear eligibility criteria are essential to preserving trust in sport and safeguarding competitive balance.

The IBA remains committed to its mission of protecting athletes, upholding integrity, and ensuring that boxing continues to be governed by principles of fairness, respect, and equality.