NI Boxing Association represented at the IBA congress in Dubai

The International Boxing Association (IBA) is the worldwide governing body of the sport of boxing. With over 200 national federations from around the world, the IBA aims to promote, support and govern the sport of boxing worldwide.

The Norfolk Island Boxing Association's affiliation with the IBA began mid last year when Norfolk was first admitted as a provisional member, later becoming a national federation of the IBA at their Ordinary Congress held in December last year.

12 months on and NIBA was excited to represent Norfolk in person at this year's IBA Ordinary Congress and associated events, held last weekend, 6 & 7 December 2024 in Dubai, UAE! NIBA committee member Kelly Schmitz travelled to Dubai for a jam packed 2 days of events hosted by the IBA.

The IBA's Ordinary Congress was preceded by the IBA's Global Boxing Forum. An exciting and informative annual event that brings together key IBA stakeholders from across the world to discuss boxing sports development, achievements and future strategies. Among the guest speakers at the Global Boxing Forum were current and retired Australian and International boxers, including retired Australian boxer Kristy Harris who was Australia's first ever female Commonwealth Games boxer, a World Bronze Medalist, and who is now an IBA director focusing on improving gender equality within the worldwide boxing arena. The Global Boxing Forum also hosted special guests, Rasheda Ali and Nico Ali-Walsh, daughter and grandson of the late great Muhammad Ali.

The weekend also included IBA's Champion's Night of boxing, bringing together the best of the best boxers from around the world, facing each other in professional format fights. The non-stop boxing action, included among others, professional Australian boxer Joel Camilleri, as he competed in a hectic but inspiring fight.

Over the weekend NIBA connected with the Oceania Boxing Confederation (OCBC) and was honoured to attend our first OCBC Congress with members from other national federations throughout Oceania. Strong bonds were formed with Oceania nations Tahiti, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Kirabati, Cook Islands, Naru, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, Samoa, PNG and Australia. The Congress allowed OCBC members an opportunity to become acquainted and also foster collaboration and strengthen bonds, as these nations work towards common goals. The Oceania boxing family welcomed the newly established NIBA, and OCBC members guided and supported NIBA both on the ground in Dubai last weekend and with continued support moving forward.

Throughout these events, NIBA was able to network with people from around the world who share a passion for boxing and who are committed to ensuring athletes have access to the best opportunities possible, including access to financial support for equipment, training courses and competition travel expenses.

Sincere thanks goes to the IBA and OCBC for their support and guidance of the Norfolk Island Boxing Association - Rhys Schmitz Legacy, over the last two years and into the future, as NIBA continues to move forward with the visions of founding member Rhys Schmitz.