AIBA Presidential Runner-up 'Very Proud' of Campaign

(ATR) Dutch Boxing Federation president Boris van der Vorst received 45 votes, 41 shy of the 86 attained by newly elected International Boxing Federation (AIBA) president Umar Kremlev, at the Dec. 12 virtual election.

Van der Vorst finished runner-up – among five final candidates vying for the leadership position of the embattled federation – with the decisive vote coming on the fourth ballot.

Despite the loss and obvious disappointment, the Dutchman said he is holding his head up high and is proud of his team’s campaign.

"I am extremely grateful for the support of National Federations on the election day, but even more for the productive discussions with many truly dedicated professionals I have been privileged to have throughout this journey," van der Vorst tells Around the Rings.

"As a boxer, I certainly competed with a desire to win, but not at all cost. It was very important for me to run a positive campaign for change, with dignity and in accordance with the regulations."

Van der Vorst’s campaign slogan was "A Clean Break for World Boxing," an innuendo towards previous leadership and a call for change for the troubled organization that was suspended by the IOC last year and stripped of any involvement in the organization of the Tokyo 2020 boxing tournament.

"I feel that I did my best to spread awareness about the absolute importance of regaining the Olympic recognition for AIBA, about addressing the issues mentioned in the IOC Inquiry Committee Report and about sustainable development of our sport.

"As an experienced entrepreneur I am not easily discouraged. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. I am actually very proud of our team effort," he said.

Asked about Kremlev’s support moving forward and his vow to resolve issues with the IOC in "only a few months", van der Vorst succinctly wished the new Russian president success.

"Judging by the results of the election, President Kremlev has very wide support among National Federations and I sincerely wish him all the best in turning his manifesto into reality for AIBA," van der Vorst said to ATR.

Kremlev also said in his manifesto that clearing AIBA’s estimated $20 million debt is his "most important and essential mission".

While van der Vorst certainly agrees that financial stability is a serious concern, there are numerous other issues to address, especially the integrity of the federation, which he views as unequivocal in rectifying AIBA’s relationship with the IOC.

"I favor a sustainable approach in business development and financial management," the Dutch Boxing Federation president said. "The IOC will also expect financial due diligence when it comes to resolving the indebtedness of AIBA.

"I may add that finances are a serious concern but, as many experts agree, injecting money into AIBA will not produce the necessary results, as long as management of refereeing and judging remains problematic.

"I trust that President Kremlev will address the matter of sport integrity, which is so important to restore the trust of the boxing community and the IOC towards AIBA."

Despite the blow to his immediate professional aspirations, van der Vorst says it will be business as usual for him moving forward.

"Nothing changes for me really – I will continue to lead and develop the Dutch Boxing Federation, continue to serve as the Chair of EUBC Passion for Boxing Commission, and continue to cooperate with other National Federations around the world for the benefit of our sport."

Homepage photo: Boris van der Vorst

Written by Brian Pinelli

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