(MAR 27) Yet another National Amateur Boxing Association has been suspended by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), this time their Norwegian associate, Norges Boksforbund . Recent previous suspensions have included South Korea, United States, England, Cameroon, Romania, South Africa and India.

In a statement from AIBA HQ March 27 the Association reported:

“In accordance with Art. 17 of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Statutes, the AIBA Executive Committee decided on March 26, 2014 to provisionally suspend the Norwegian Boxing Federation due to a serious breach of Art. 6 of the AIBA Statutes and Rule 22 of the AOB Competition Rules at the National Championships held from March 6-8, 2014 in Tønsberg.

In regard to boxers and coaches participation in AIBA Competitions, this will be assured as long as they also respect AIBA Rules”.

In simple terms that means that Norwegian male boxers can compete in international events under the AIBA flag as long as they respect the rules e.g.: no headguards allowed.

So what rule did the Norwegians fall foul of?

“RULE 22. HEADGUARDS

22.1. In AOB Elite Men Competitions, headguards are no longer allowed.

22.1.1. Rule 22.1. is officially applicable starting June 1, 2013 at National Level only. A grace period

was applicable until May 31, 2013 at National Level only”.

In a Norwegian language statement tonight, the Norges Boksforbund announced that the ban would NOT affect the country’s women or youth/junior fighters (since they are not subjected to the ‘no headguards rule’) so their 2014 Nordic Championship goes ahead in Oslo as planned this weekend but the Men’s championships have had to be cancelled. According to Norwegian sources, a communique has gone from the AIBA to all of the world’s 196 AIBA associations forbidding co-operation with the Norwegians until membership is restored though there is no specific time set for the suspension to last.

The Norwegian statement concluded :” Norway Boxing Association is now down for the count, and we ask all our members, supporters and boxing fans for support in the period ahead. We must in fact stand up and win this battle!”

For the Norwegians to be re-admitted means effectively that the country’s Government must change the local laws which do not permit boxing without headguards.

Insofar as the Nordic Female Championships are concerned at the weekend some fine bouts are expected to take place in Oslo since the Elite competitors include:

Women senior:

48 kg:
Elin Rönnlund, SWE
Lotta Loikkanen , FIN

51 kg:
Camilla Johansen, NOR
Frida Stenholm, SWE
Sallamaari Hannonen, FIN

54 kg:
Marielle Hansen, NOR
Marjut Lausti, FIN

57 kg
Grethe Kraugerud, NOR
Linnea Strandell, SWE
Cecilia Nilsson FIN
Britt Janne Mardal, NOR

60 kg:
Ingrid Egner, NOR
Ida Lundblad, SWE
Valgerður Guðsteinsdóttir, ISL
Mira Potkonen, FIN

64 kg:
Fam Elgan, NOR
Patricia Berghult, SWE
Camilla Skov Jensen, DEN

69 kg:
Christina Øynes, NOR
Sanna Kvaal, NOR

75 kg:
Love Holgersson, SWE
Elin Cederos , SWE

WBAN will bring you news from the Nordic women’s event early next week.

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