The International Boxing Organization (IBO) is a US based corporation that sanctions professional boxing matches and awards world and regional championships.
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. 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.
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. If an IBO Inter-Continental champion successfully defends his title three times, he may receive a mandatory opportunity for the world title. 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 Dmitry Bivol, light heavyweight 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 Oleksandr Usyk, heavyweight
Current IBO world title holders As of August 11, 2026
Male Weight class:Champion:Reign began:DaysMinimumweightLight flyweightMpumelelo Tshabalala September 14, 2024FlyweightSuper flyweightRicardo MalajikaSeptember 2, 2023 BantamweightSuper bantamweightShabaz MasoudNovember 2, 2024 FeatherweightDayan Gonzalez December 6, 2024Super featherweightJono Carroll March 14, 2026 LightweightSuper lightweightMark Chamberlain August 1, 2026 WelterweightTulani MbengeOctober 19, 2024Super welterweightUisma LimaDecember 12, 2024MiddleweightChris Eubank JrOctober 12, 2024Super middleweightOsleys IglesiasDecember 9, 2022Light heavyweightDmitry BivolFebruary 23, 2025CruiserweightJuergen UldedajOctober 25, 2025Heavyweight
Female Weight class:Champion:Reign began:DaysMinimumweightSarah Bormann May 21, 2022Light flyweightNina RadovanovićMarch 23, 2024Flyweight Super flyweightAngelica Lukas5 October 2024Bantamweight Super bantamweightLaura GrzybMarch 15, 2026FeatherweightAmanda SerranoMarch 25, 2021Super featherweightAlycia BaumgardnerNovember 13, 2021LightweightPamela Noutcho SawaNovember 7, 2025Super lightweightFlora PiliDecember 5, 2025WelterweightLauren PriceMay 11, 2024 Super welterweightOshae JonesNovember 22, 2024Middleweight Super middleweightLight heavyweight Cruiserweight Heavyweight
See also List of IBO world champions List of IBO female world champions
References
External links