International Boxing Organization

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.saddoboxing.com/Boxing-Rankings/IBO-International-Boxing-Organization.php|title=IBO Top 100 - Computerized Rankings - International Boxing Organization|publisher=Saddoboxing|access-date=2016-10-28|archive-date=2016-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028215405/http://www.saddoboxing.com/Boxing-Rankings/IBO-International-Boxing-Organization.php|url-status=live}}

The IBO permits only one world champion per weight division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iboboxing.com/iborulesandregulations|title=Ibo Rules & Regulations|access-date=2021-10-20|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020163318/https://www.iboboxing.com/iborulesandregulations|url-status=live}} "We have never had more than one champion per weight division nor will we", according to its president Ed Levine.{{cite web |url=http://ontheropesboxing.com/ed-levine-it-doesnt-get-any-better-than-golovkin-vs-brook-two-undefeated-superstars-both-champions/ |title=Ed Levine Interview 16 August 2016 |publisher=OnTheRopesBoxing.com |date=August 16, 2016 |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063420/http://ontheropesboxing.com/ed-levine-it-doesnt-get-any-better-than-golovkin-vs-brook-two-undefeated-superstars-both-champions/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web |url=http://ontheropesboxing.com/ed-levine-we-have-had-respect-for-many-years-with-marque-champions-holding-ibo-world-titles-such-as-lewis-hatton-jones-jr-and-manny-pacquiao/ |title=Ed Levine Interview 15 May 2014 |publisher=OnTheRopesBoxing.com |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415063613/http://ontheropesboxing.com/ed-levine-we-have-had-respect-for-many-years-with-marque-champions-holding-ibo-world-titles-such-as-lewis-hatton-jones-jr-and-manny-pacquiao/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web |title=WBA Boxing | date=11 February 2009 |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/wba-super-champions/wba-super-championships#:~:text=The%20SUPER%20WORLD%20CHAMPION%20CATEGORY,World%20Boxing%20Organization%20(WBO).}}

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.

IBO claims their use of technology in rankings improves transparency and credibility in boxing.{{cite web |title=International Boxing Organization |url=https://www.iboboxing.com/}} 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. {{cite web |last1=Barra |first1=Allen |title=Corruption Is the No. 1 Contender |website=The New York Times |date=24 November 1999 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/24/opinion/corruption-is-the-no-1-contender.html}}

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• 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
• Lennox Lewis, heavyweight
• Tyson Fury, heavyweight
• Wladimir Klitschko, heavyweight
• Anthony Joshua, heavyweight

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As of October 19, 2024

• List of IBO world champions
• List of IBO female world champions

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.iboboxing.com/}}

{{World boxing champions}}

Category:Professional boxing governing bodies

Category:International sports organizations

Category:Sports organizations established in 1988