USA Boxing

The AAU era, starting in 1888. Before an independent boxing federation was established, American amateur boxing was regulated by the Amateur Athletic Union. In 1904, boxing became an Olympic sport for the first time at the Games in St. Louis.

The independent federation, 1978. The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 ended the AAU’s role as the governing body for multiple Olympic sports. The United States of America Amateur Boxing Federation took over boxing responsibilities and was recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.

Name changes. In 1992, the name was changed to USA Amateur Boxing. In 2017, the word Amateur was dropped and the organization officially became USA Boxing.

Women’s boxing, 1993. USA Boxing officially recognized women’s boxing after Dallas Malloy successfully fought for her right to box. Her bout against Heather Poyner became the first officially sanctioned women’s match in this historical development.

World Boxing and the Olympic future. In April 2023, USA Boxing ended its membership in the IBA and joined World Boxing, a new international federation focused on integrity and the future of Olympic boxing.

National championships. USA Boxing organizes national tournaments every year. The 2026 USA Boxing National Open is scheduled to take place from September 26 through October 3, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Olympic team selection and High Performance. In Colorado Springs, the best boxers receive intensive support as they prepare for World Boxing tournaments and the Olympic Games. Nikki Burleson was appointed National High Performance Coach in August 2026.

Local sanctioned events. Regional Local Boxing Committees, such as USA Boxing Metro, sanction and support boxing matches across the country. This ensures that matches take place under official rules and medical safety requirements.

Training and safety. Coaches, officials, referees, and judges attend official clinics and exams, undergo background checks, and complete annual SafeSport training. Medical ringside support is also mandatory at sanctioned events.

Membership roles. USA Boxing works with athletes, coaches and trainers, officials, referees, judges, and doctors. Athletes are classified by age, level, and weight, from Pee Wee and Junior to Youth, Elite, and Masters.

SafeSport requirement. Non-athletes must undergo a background check and complete annual SafeSport training to combat abuse, harassment, and bullying within the sport.

Grassroots and equal opportunity. Through local clubs and gloves-not-guns initiatives, USA Boxing offers young people structure, discipline, and a safe sporting environment. Boxing can thus contribute to social mobility and crime prevention.

A breeding ground for legends. The American amateur pathway laid the foundation for the careers of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Claressa Shields.

A pioneer in women's boxing. The recognition of women's boxing in 1993 helped pave the way for women's boxing to be included in the Olympics in 2012.

Global sports politics. By switching from IBA to World Boxing, USA Boxing took a clear stance on integrity and the future of boxing at the Olympic Games.