HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC-The Bermuda government says it is seeking the assistance of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in resolving a dispute between two bodies in the country who want to represent the interest of the sport.
The Bermuda Boxing Federation (BBF), and the Bermuda International Boxing Association (BIBA) have been at odds since BIBA was formed two years ago.
BIBA accuses BBF of being a defunct body since it only has two serving executives and has not held an annual meeting since 2012 while BBF is recognized by AIBA as the sole body representing boxing in Bermuda.
“The Bermuda International Boxing Association has expressed an interest to take over boxing, but they will have to be recognised by AIBA and AIBA is not prepared to do that, so we have reached out to AIBA to try and resolve the entire issue,” said Norbert Simons, director of youth and sports.
“We have had some correspondence with AIBA and the minister [Wayne Scott] is about to contact and make an official approach to AIBA in the next day or two. Hopefully we will be in a better position to determine where we are.”
BIBA had approached the AIBA expressing its concerns over the lack of a boxing programme in Bermuda.
BIBA is also seeking to become an affiliate member of the world governing body.
But, Debra Smith, the BBF secretary and interim president and treasurer, is insisting that her organisation is anything but defunct.
“As far as AIBA [International Boxing Association] is concerned, as long as there is one person attached to this association, we are not defunct,” she said.
The country’s director of sports says there is opposition to the idea of merging the two bodies.
“But it must be noted that as Government, we cannot get involved in the day-to-day operation of any organisation. We can only try to advise,” said Simons.
“If there is no actual resolution to this matter, we will have to write to the international federation and advise them that the group is totally dysfunctional and we no longer recognise the current body as the national body for boxing in Bermuda.”
