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International Boxing Organization

Abbreviation	IBO
Formation	1988; 36 years ago (1988)
Type	Private
Purpose	Boxing sanctioning organization
Headquarters	Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
Region served	Worldwide
President	Ed Levine
Main organ	Board of Directors
Website	iboboxing.com

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

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. 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.

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.

The IBO permits only one world champion per weight division. "We have never had more than one champion per weight division nor will we", according to its president Ed Levine.

In addition to world champions, IBO recognizes regional champions, including the Inter-Continental champion. If an IBO Inter-Continental champion successfully defends his title three times, he may receive a mandatory opportunity for the world title.

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.

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's utilization of technology in rankings goes a long way toward transparency and credibility in boxing. 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.

Notable past IBO champions

• Thomas Hearns, cruiserweight
• Lennox Lewis, heavyweight
• James Toney, cruiserweight
• Wladimir Klitschko, heavyweight
• Roy Jones Jr., light heavyweight
• Marco Antonio Barrera, featherweight
• Naseem Hamed, featherweight
• Floyd Mayweather Jr., welterweight
• Ricky Hatton, light welterweight
• Manny Pacquiao, light welterweight
• Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweight
• Nonito Donaire, Flyweight
• Sergio Martínez, super welterweight
• Andy Ruiz Jr., heavyweight
• Tyson Fury, heavyweight
• Anthony Joshua, heavyweight

Current IBO world title holders

As of October 19, 2024

Male

Female

See also

• List of IBO world champions
• List of IBO female world champions

References

1. "Official website - International Boxing Organization". iboboxing.com. Archived from the original on 2006-11-03. 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 from the original on 2016-10-28. Retrieved 2016-10-28.
5. ^ "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".

External links

• Official website

• International Boxing Organization
• Professional boxing governing bodies
• International sports organizations
• Sports organizations established in 1988