International Boxing Organization
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The International Boxing Organization (IBO) is a US based corporation that sanctions professional boxing matches and awards world and regional championships.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=SI>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
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.<ref name=SI/> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Shallow reference inline
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The IBO permits only one world champion per weight division.<ref name =rules>Template:Cite web</ref> "We have never had more than one champion per weight division nor will we", according to its president Ed Levine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In addition to world champions, IBO recognizes regional champions, including the Inter-Continental champion.<ref name =rules/> If an IBO Inter-Continental champion successfully defends his title three times, he may receive a mandatory opportunity for the world title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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 claims their use of technology in rankings improves transparency and credibility in boxing.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Notable past IBO champions
- Nonito Donaire, flyweight
- Marco Antonio Barrera, featherweight
- Naseem Hamed, featherweight
- Manny Pacquiao, light welterweight
- Ricky Hatton, light welterweight
- Floyd Mayweather Jr., welterweight
- Sergio Martínez, super welterweight
- Erislandy Lara, super welterweight
- Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweight
- Roy Jones Jr., light heavyweight
- Antonio Tarver, light heavyweight, cruiserweight
- Thomas Hearns, cruiserweight
- James Toney, cruiserweight
- Brian Nielsen, heavyweight
- Lennox Lewis, heavyweight
- Tyson Fury, heavyweight
- Wladimir Klitschko, heavyweight
- Anthony Joshua, heavyweight
Current IBO world title holders
As of October 19, 2024