International Boxing Federation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
International Boxing Federation

Abbreviation	IBF
Formation	1983; 42 years ago (1983)
Type	Non-profit institution
Purpose	Boxing sanctioning organization
Headquarters	Springfield, New Jersey, U.S.
Region served	Worldwide
President	Daryl Peoples
Main organ	General Assembly

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) is a major organization that helps organize professional boxing matches. It is one of four main groups recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The other big organizations are the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), and World Boxing Organization (WBO). The IBF helps make sure boxing matches are fair and that champions are properly recognized.

History of the IBF

The IBF started from an older group called the United States Boxing Association (USBA). The USBA was a regional group, like the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).

In 1983, the president of the USBA, Robert W. "Bobby" Lee Sr., tried to become the president of the WBA. When he didn't win, he and others decided to create a new, worldwide boxing organization. This new group was first called USBA-International. On November 6, 1983, it was officially renamed the International Boxing Federation. Its main offices are still in New Jersey.

The IBF's first world champion was Marvin Camel. He had already been a champion with the WBC. In its first year, the IBF was not very well known. But by 1984, it started to recognize famous boxers like Larry Holmes, Aaron Pryor, Marvin Hagler, and Donald Curry as its own world champions. Larry Holmes even gave up his WBC title to become an IBF champion. This helped the IBF become a respected and important boxing organization.

IBF world championship belts for men are red. The belts for women are light blue.

IBF Leadership in the 21st Century

After some changes in leadership, Hiawatha Knight became the IBF's interim president. She was the first woman to lead a world boxing organization. In 2001, Marian Muhammad took over as president. Later, Daryl J. Peoples became president and was still leading the IBF in 2018.

The IBF also works with other combat sports. In 2017, the IBF held its first convention for IBF Muaythai in Bangkok. Muaythai is a type of martial art. New champions were crowned in three weight classes during this event.

In 2022, the IBF stopped championship fights involving boxers from Russia and Belarus. This was in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Current IBF World Champions

As of 2 August 2025, here are some of the current IBF world title holders.

Male Champions

Female Champions

Muay Thai World Champions

See Also

In Spanish: Federación Internacional de Boxeo para niños

• Main boxing organizations
• List of IBF world champions
• List of IBF female world champions
• List of current world boxing champions
• List of IBF Muay Thai world champions