Boxing guide: The difference between organizations WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO

The International Boxing Federation (IBF)

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IBF was founded in 1983 after Bob Lee failed to become the WBA president, and decided to organize a third world-level organization, next to WBA and WBC. The organization was preceded by the United States Boxing Association (USBA).

In 1984, the IBF decided to recognize already established champions from other organizations – like Larry Holmes, Marvin Hagler and Donald Curry – as IBF world champions in a way to legitimize their governing body.