The IBA has set up an ad-hoc Committee to facilitate dialogue with the IOC to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two organisations ©Getty Images

The International Boxing Association has (IBA) has set up an ad-hoc Committee to facilitate dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two organisations, it has been announced.

IBA President Umar Kremlev has said that a "collaborative approach" is needed to secure the sport's future at the Olympic Games.

"We have a Committee," Kremlev said.

"We are doing a collaborative approach.

"A conclusion is expected very soon.

"IBA is following all the requests by IOC.

"Some work has been done and some requests complied."

The IBA was suspended by the IOC in 2019 due to due to concerns over judging and refereeing, financial stability and governance.

The relationship between the IBA and the IOC slumped since Kremlev took charge of the organisation.

A sponsorship agreement with Russia's state energy supplier Gazprom worsened the situation, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

However, the IBA chief has today announced that the sponsorship has now ended.

An IOC Boxing Task Force handled the sport at Tokyo 2020 and is set to do so at Paris 2024, although that is not guaranteed due to a row over technical officials.

Boxing remains off the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028.

Seoul 1988 light middleweight silver medallist Roy Jones Jr. of the United States has urged the IOC to reconsider its attitude towards IBA ©IBA
Seoul 1988 light middleweight silver medallist Roy Jones Jr. of the United States has urged the IOC to reconsider its attitude towards IBA ©IBA

According to IBA secretary general George Yerolimpos, the ad-hoc Committee is represented by himself, all continental federation Presidents, vice-president Ajay Singh from India and IBA Board of Directors member Jinqiang Zhou, who is also the Deputy Minister of Sport in China.

Yerolimpos said that a meeting has taken place between IOC and IBA and an outcome is expected soon.

insidethegames has contacted IOC for a comment.

IBA has let boxers from Russia and Belarus compete with their own flag and anthem, including at the World Championships here.

The decision contradicts the IOC recommendations that athletes from the two countries should compete only as neutrals under strict conditions due to the war in Ukraine.

Seoul 1988 light middleweight silver medallist Roy Jones Jr. of the United States has urged the IOC to reconsider its attitude towards the governing body.

"I see no issues for boxing and IBA to be a part of the Olympic family, as the sport has it all," Jones Jr., who was present here, said.

"It is widely beloved and practiced, it helped millions of people to find their way in life.

"I urge the IOC again to reconsider their attitude towards IBA."