Guyana granted provisional recognition by World Boxing

Guyana has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the future of its amateur boxing programme after the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) was formally granted provisional recognition by World Boxing, the international federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to govern amateur boxing and oversee Olympic qualification pathways.
The approval was communicated in an official letter dated December 11, confirming that the World Boxing Board of Directors had endorsed Guyana’s application for membership.
As a result, the GBA and its athletes are now eligible to participate in all World Boxing-sanctioned competitions, including the World Challenge, World Cup, and World Championships.
World Boxing is currently the only IOC-recognised body responsible for creating and managing qualification pathways to the Olympic Games in boxing, making the recognition a critical development for Guyanese boxers aspiring to compete at the sport’s highest level.
While welcoming the approval, GBA President Steve Ninvalle expressed frustration over the timing of the decision, noting that Guyana’s application was submitted in February this year.
“We welcome the approval, but I am peeved at how long this process took. Guyana sent in its application since February; however, we only received confirmation one day before the International Boxing Association (IBA) Congress in Dubai,” he said.
Ninvalle pointed out that he was aware of other countries not having to endure the 10-month waiting period to receive recognition, allowing them to plan, compete, and operate with certainty. He said he was forced to inform the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) of this issue.
Nevertheless, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s long-standing compliance and professionalism within the amateur boxing landscape.
“Guyana, through the GBA, has always been compliant in the world of amateur boxing. We remain fully committed to following the rules and directives of the IOC and ensuring that our boxers are given a fair and unhindered opportunity to compete at the highest level, including the Olympic Games,” Ninvalle, who is also the Director of Sport (DoS), stated.
According to the correspondence from World Boxing, the GBA has been granted provisional recognition, which allows full participation in World Boxing events while the Association moves through the final stage of the membership process.
The application will now be presented at the World Boxing 2026 Congress, where full membership approval will be considered.
The process is governed by Sections 6.3 to 6.5 of the World Boxing Statutes, which outline that the Executive Board must first determine whether all membership criteria are met, before making a recommendation to Congress. Final approval, however, remains at the sole discretion of the Executive Board.
World Boxing, in its letter, thanked the GBA for its continued commitment and support, and expressed anticipation of Guyana’s participation in upcoming events and the Congress scheduled for November.