International Boxing Organization

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.

The IBO permits only one world champion per weight division. "We have never had more than one champion per weight division nor will we", according to its president Ed Levine.

In addition to world champions, IBO recognizes regional champions, including the Inter-Continental champion.

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.

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. 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.

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

Male

Female

References

References

1. "Official website - International Boxing Organization". iboboxing.com.
2. Mannix, Chris. (July 21, 2023). "Does Boxing Need Another Major Title?".
3. "World Boxing Council".
4. "IBO Top 100 - Computerized Rankings - International Boxing Organization". Saddoboxing.
5. "Ibo Rules & Regulations".
6. (August 16, 2016). "Ed Levine Interview 16 August 2016". OnTheRopesBoxing.com.
7. (May 15, 2014). "Ed Levine Interview 15 May 2014". OnTheRopesBoxing.com.
8. (11 February 2009). "WBA Boxing".
9. "International Boxing Organization".
10. (24 November 1999). "Corruption Is the No. 1 Contender".