The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has decided to suspend betting on all events sanctioned by the International Boxing Association (IBA). This move follows several years of controversy surrounding the IBA, especially under the leadership of Umar Kremlev. Kremlev’s tenure has been marked by allegations of fraud, lack of transparency, and, more recently, controversial remarks during the Paris Olympics involving two female athletes.
While the MGC has not fully disclosed the reasons for its decision, reports suggest that the IBA’s open support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine played a significant role. The MGC’s ruling means that events associated with the IBA are no longer considered viable betting markets in Malta. As a result, operators must immediately comply with this decision. Any existing wagers on these events will be canceled, and players will receive refunds.
However, the MGC’s actions are not solely motivated by politics. The IBA’s history of cheating and match-fixing allegations has long been a concern for the MGC and other state regulators. The MGC also stated that events supervised by Russian or Belarusian authorities would be excluded from betting markets. Despite the IBA’s influence in international boxing, other major organizations like the IBF, WBO, WBC, and WBA remain independent and unaffected by this suspension.
In a statement addressing the suspension, the MGC highlighted its concerns: “The IBA is the last international sports federation still run by a Russian citizen and the only one to allow athletes from Russia to fight under their flag and play their national anthem.” This sentiment underscores the MGC’s broader stance against the IBA’s controversial actions and governance.