Five minutes with Pichai Chunhavajira

Asian Boxing has undergone tremendous progress since its launch in December 2024. Can you reflect on its development so far?
The progress has been nothing short of remarkable. In less than eight months, we have established a strong and independent Confederation under World Boxing, growing from 20 to over 32 committed National Federations, and hosted our first official continental championships in Amman with 400 athletes from 18 countries. We have also secured formal recognition and support from the Olympic Council of Asia. Our growth is not only in numbers, but in credibility, governance, and delivery.

How has the relationship with World Boxing evolved since then?
The formation of Asian Boxing was a pivotal moment; it was the first continental confederation under World Boxing and set a powerful precedent. We showed what could be achieved when governance prioritizes athletes, fairness, and transparency. This leadership has inspired other regions to follow suit, and since our launch, World Boxing has more than doubled in size.

Asia is home to some of the strongest boxers and most decorated Olympians in the sport. By providing them with credible platforms and fair pathways to compete, we have brought real value, not only to our own region, but to the global boxing landscape. Our championships have increased exposure, our technical delegates expanded the pool of qualified officials, and our structure has reinforced World Boxing’s legitimacy and reach.

From my perspective, this is only the beginning. Asian Boxing is proud to be leading by example and proving what’s possible when the focus remains on athletes and the future of Olympic boxing.

It was your idea to form a new organization as well as the first confederation under World Boxing. What gave you the confidence to take that step?
It was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. After years of trying to reform the system from within, it became clear that dialogue alone would not bring change. We needed a clean break to restore integrity and transparency. The IOC’s withdrawal of recognition from the current International Federation, and the removal of boxing from the Olympics, made that choice even more urgent. Asian Boxing was created to protect Olympic boxing and to serve athletes not politics. And I have never looked back.

One of the most ambitious projects announced recently is the new Thailand International Boxing Training Center in Bangkok. What can you tell us about it?
This Centre is the realization of a long-held vision that I have personally wanted to bring to the continent: a permanent home for boxing development in Asia. The $20.5 million facility will serve as a regional academy for athletes, coaches, referees, and officials. It includes Olympic-sized rings, a fitness center with 50 boxing bags, seminar and media rooms, athlete accommodation, and even a top-floor space designed for hosting future events, including, we hope, the Southeast Asian Games. It’s more than a building or a project, it’s a symbol of what boxing in Asia can become when we work toward building a better body that focuses on officials, collaboration, and, most importantly, our athletes.

With Thailand hosting the next Asian Boxing Championships this summer, what are your hopes for that event?
We are building on the success of Amman, and the standards that the Jordan Boxing Association delivered. The Bangkok U19 & U22 Championships will be bigger, more competitive, and better than ever before. We expect more than 20 countries to participate and hope to see several future Olympians. For many boxers, this is the first steppingstone to LA 2028. That’s the spirit we want to instill, not just another competition, but one with a purpose.

You’ve spoken a lot about athlete-first governance. How is that reflected in Asian Boxing’s operations?
Everything we do, from rule enforcement to competition calendars to educational programs – is designed to serve athletes. We have launched development funds, technical training programs, and gender equity initiatives to ensure that athletes from every corner of Asia, regardless of background or resources, have access to the same opportunities. Fairness isn’t a slogan here, it’s a mandate. I think everyone, especially the athletes, are done with politics, winning is great, but fair play and good opportunities are even more important.

And looking ahead—will you be running for President in the upcoming elections?
Yes, I will. While I’m honored by the trust so many National Federations have placed in me, what I feel most is the weight of responsibility. This isn’t about holding a position, it’s about delivering on a shared vision, one that so many have worked hard to build. That trust carries an obligation to continue, to follow through, and to lead with purpose. There is still so much to be done, and I want to see it through. Among the priorities ahead is the idea of an Olympic Boxing Summit in Asia, something that could unify our efforts, create real impact, and reinforce our role in shaping the future of the sport.

Finally, what message would you like to send to the global boxing community?
Boxing is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will define its future. The IOC has granted provisional recognition to World Boxing but that is not a guarantee. It is a challenge: to rise, to prove ourselves, and to build something better than what came before.

Asian Boxing has led by example. We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to create a structure that is clean, transparent, and centered on the athlete as well as efficient. But we also know that building a future-worthy sport takes more than just structure it takes relentless effort. We need to earn lasting recognition from the IOC, not just with good intentions, but with credibility, funding, expertise, and deliverables.

We must continue raising standards. We need to attract committed professionals that can strategize, secure sustainable sponsorships, and deliver fair, world-class competitions across every continent. The work ahead is significant, and the pressure is real but so is the opportunity.

If we stay focused, and committed to modern governance, we can restore boxing’s rightful place at the heart of the Olympic movement. The foundation has been laid. Now, we must build the legacy.