World Boxing has added seven new National Federations to its ranks, bringing the total number of member countries to 118. The latest expansion, confirmed by the organisation’s Executive Board in late July, reflects growing international confidence in World Boxing as the legitimate global authority for Olympic boxing.

The newly endorsed federations are from Bolivia, El Salvador, Israel, Micronesia, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Haiti. These countries are expected to receive final confirmation of full membership at the next World Boxing Congress, scheduled to take place in New Delhi in November 2025.

Under World Boxing’s statutes, only the Congress can grant full membership status. The seven federations, once formally approved, will receive full voting rights and play a role in shaping the future of Olympic boxing.

Founded in April 2023, World Boxing was established to safeguard the sport’s place in the Olympic Movement following serious governance concerns surrounding the previous international governing body. After its first official meeting with the International Olympic Committee in May 2024, World Boxing was provisionally recognised by the IOC on 25 February 2025 as the official International Federation for Olympic boxing.

WB named boxing body for LA28

The IOC has confirmed that World Boxing will be responsible for the organisation and governance of boxing at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a milestone that solidifies the federation’s status and restores stability to the Olympic boxing landscape.

The inclusion of new member countries underscores the organisation’s global outreach. El Salvador and Israel bring well-established competitive programmes, while Haiti and Somalia represent developing nations with growing ambitions in the sport. Micronesia, Bolivia, and the Central African Republic extend World Boxing’s presence in the Pacific, South America, and Central Africa.

Ajay Singh’s role in Asian boxing

Regional dynamics have also played a key role in recent shifts. The Boxing Federation of India, led by its President Ajay Singh, has emerged as a major force within World Boxing. Singh has actively encouraged other Asian federations to join the new structure, citing the need for transparent governance and long-term Olympic security. India’s position as host of the upcoming Congress further reinforces its growing influence in the sport’s international affairs.

Since its inception, World Boxing has rapidly built a network of member federations across all continents. The organisation includes influential members such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Kazakhstan, and most recently Ireland, which officially severed ties with the International Boxing Association earlier this year.

With the pathway to Los Angeles 2028 now clearly defined and the organisation gaining strength with each new addition, World Boxing appears firmly positioned to lead the sport into a new Olympic era. The November Congress in New Delhi is expected to be a turning point, as members chart the course for the coming years and reinforce the federation’s commitment to fair play, athlete welfare, and global unity