Addis Ababa – Boris van der Vorst, the inaugural president of World Boxing, the international governing body for amateur boxing, made a landmark visit to Ethiopia this week to discuss the nation’s growing involvement in the sport.

A high-level boxing meeting took place in Addis Ababa ( Image via the Ministry of Culture and Sports )

Upon arrival, van der Vorst held high-level meetings with Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports Mekiyu Mohammed and Eyasu Wossen, President of both the Ethiopian Boxing Federation and the African Boxing Confederation. The discussions centered on strategies to elevate Ethiopia’s boxing standards and ensure its athletes qualify for the next Olympic Games.

Key Agreements and Future Plans

A statement from the Ministry of Culture and Sports confirmed that Ethiopia’s formal application to join the World Boxing Organization has been approved, marking a significant step in the country’s development of boxing.

What’s Next?

Ethiopia’s inclusion in World Boxing paves the way for future competitions, coaching collaborations, and potential hosting of regional tournaments. The move aligns with the nation’s ambitions to boost its presence in international sports. As Ethiopia gears up for the upcoming qualifiers, the visit underscores World Boxing’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach in Africa.