IABA chiefs have delivered a strong plea for delegates to embrace the change demanded by Sport Ireland and the government in Sunday's EGM.
Fergal Carruth, the IABA board CEO, describes the choice facing Irish boxing as "pivotal" with Minister for Sport Jack Chambers warning that funding for the sport will immediately be cut by 15% if the structural changes recommended by an independent governance review is not voted in.
Furthermore, the IABA and clubs will not be able to access Dormant Accounts funding, or Sports Capital & Equipment Grants.
READ MORE: Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers speaks out ahead of IABA's EGM
Funding through local authorities will be curtailed - and an increasing level of funding cuts will be introduced over the coming months.
Sport Ireland Return to Sport grants, which this year enabled the IABA to pay the full insurance and affiliation costs for every affiliated club in Ireland, will no longer be available.
“The Irish Boxing Family faces a pivotal choice on July 10th, a choice which will affect how every club in Ireland evolves – that is, to embrace the highest standards of governance or face long-term damaging restrictions on our sport,” said Carruth.
The IABA board met with Minister Chambers last night and the government's stance was re-iterated ahead of the EGM, where delegates from Ireland’s 338 affiliated clubs will be asked to vote on expanding the board from its current 10 members to 12.
If approved, this newly constituted board will include six independent members, along with athlete and coach representatives, and will get to work on implementing the remaining recommendations.
Riven by divisions, the association recently lost Bernard Dunne as the high performance unit's director due to his disillusionment over how criticism of his work had been handled prior to the Tokyo Olympics.
Ireland came home with two medals in the ring, including gold for Kellie Harrington, and Dunne's decision to step down after an extended period on leave added to the pressure on the IABA to deal with deep internal strife.
The independent governance report makes over 60 recommendations for change with the association and was circulated to all clubs, county boards and provincial in May, and the IABA has held workshops to explain the details further.
Sixty voting delegates must attend the EGM in order for it to take place - and 75% of that electorate must vote for the motion for it to pass.
IABA board chairperson Ciaran Kirwan said: “The scale of the choice facing Irish boxing shouldn’t be underestimated, but with all change comes opportunity.
"The Minister for Sport has been very clear – boxing will face funding cuts. Boxing will be constrained.
"We cannot allow this fate for Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport.
"Indeed, we cannot allow this fate for the sport which has brought Ireland two World Championship titles this year.
"The power to prevent this fate lies with every club in Ireland – the decision is theirs, and theirs alone.
"Boxers create and exploit opportunities in every bout. So, too, must we.
"Like any bout, this won’t be easy – but the prospect of a battle has never daunted any boxer or coach. We must be as fearless.
“The consequences of choosing not to reform, or choosing not to enter our second phase, are grim."
Carruth noted that a large number within boxing are concerned about the proposed changes to the office of president.
He said: "The office has been largely unchanged since 1911, and the president rightly commands the respect of all boxers and clubs.
"The proposals will ensure the dignity and integrity of the office of president is enshrined in IABA’s constitution.
"They will further ensure that the President’s insight and knowledge can continue to influence decision-making at board level.
“The proposals will elevate the office of the president above politics within our sport and will become the jewel in the crown of Irish Boxing.
"The president will be an ambassador for boxing, not only across Irish society, but an ambassador for Irish boxing across the world.”
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