International Boxing Organization
Private
AbbreviationIBO
PurposeBoxing sanctioning organization
Formation1988 (age 38)
HeadquartersCoral Gables, Florida, U.S.
Region servedWorldwide
PresidentEd Levine
Main organBoard 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

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

Championship format

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

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

IBO claims their use of technology in rankings improves 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

Current IBO world title holders

As of October 19, 2024

Male

Weight class:Champion:Reign began:Days
Minimumweightvacant
Light flyweightMpumelelo TshabalalaSeptember 14, 2024755
Flyweightvacant
Super flyweightRicardo MalajikaSeptember 2, 20231133
Bantamweightvacant
Super bantamweightShabaz MasoudNovember 2, 2024706
FeatherweightDayan GonzalezDecember 6, 2024672
Super featherweightJono CarrollMarch 14, 2026209
Lightweightvacant
Super lightweightPierce O'LearyMarch 14, 2026209
WelterweightTulani MbengeOctober 19, 2024720
Super welterweightUisma LimaDecember 12, 2024666
MiddleweightChris Eubank JrOctober 12, 2024727
Super middleweightOsleys IglesiasDecember 9, 20221400
Light heavyweightDmitry BivolFebruary 23, 2025594
CruiserweightJuergen UldedajOctober 25, 2025349
HeavyweightOleksandr UsykSeptember 25, 20211840

Female

Weight class:Champion:Reign began:Days
MinimumweightSarah BormannMay 21, 20221602
Light flyweightNina RadovanovićMarch 23, 2024930
Flyweightvacant
Super flyweightAngelica Lukas5 October 2024734
Bantamweightvacant
Super bantamweightLaura GrzybMarch 15, 2026208
FeatherweightAmanda SerranoMarch 25, 20212024
Super featherweightAlycia BaumgardnerNovember 13, 20211791
LightweightPamela Noutcho SawaNovember 7, 2025336
Super lightweightFlora PiliDecember 5, 2025308
WelterweightLauren PriceMay 11, 2024881
Super welterweightOshae JonesNovember 22, 2024686
Middleweightvacant
Super middleweightvacant
Light heavyweightvacant
Cruiserweightvacant
Heavyweightvacant

See also

References

  1. ^ "Official website - International Boxing Organization". iboboxing.com. Archived 2006-11-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  2. ^ 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 2016-10-28 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
  5. ^ "Ibo Rules & Regulations". Archived 2021-10-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  6. ^ "Ed Levine Interview 16 August 2016". OnTheRopesBoxing.com. August 16, 2016. Archived 15 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Ed Levine Interview 15 May 2014". OnTheRopesBoxing.com. May 15, 2014. Archived 15 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  8. ^ "WBA Boxing". 11 February 2009.
  9. ^ "International Boxing Organization"
  10. ^ Barra, Allen (24 November 1999). "Corruption Is the No. 1 Contender". The New York Times