The provisional becomes permanent at the International Boxing Federation (IBA). The body has announced that it has appointed Briton Chris Roberts (pictured above) to the position of General Secretary and Executive Director. A former soldier in the British Army, and then Chief Executive of the Scottish Boxing Federation, Chris Roberts was appointed Acting Secretary General and Chief Executive last June. The interim period is now over and Chris Robert has been confirmed in his new role. Commented Russian IBA President Umar Kremlev: “Chris Roberts’ proven leadership qualities, unwavering dedication and insightful strategic vision make him the ideal person to lead our organization. I have full confidence in Chris and his ability to serve the IBA, and its boxers and trainers worldwide, well.” Nothing less will be needed to try and save the IBA, which was severely affected by the loss of IOC recognition, and has been undermined since last spring by the creation of a rival body, World Boxing, already joined by almost twenty national federations.
