The WABC Sets Sights on the Paralympics!

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Wheelchairs and boxing—it might seem like an unusual pairing at first, right?

Can these two worlds come together to create a recognized sport?

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​Ask the members of the WABC (World Adaptive Boxing Council), and their answer is loud and clear:

 

"Absolutely! Why shouldn't we fight?"

 

​Our mission is to create a sport that allows disabled individuals to compete at the highest level, including the Paralympic Games and specially structured league events.

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"Our main goal is to help disabled people compete at the highest level, and ultimately, that means the Paralympics. Above all, we are committed to ensuring that this is done as safely as possible and with the utmost care"

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​​Boxing has its origins in ancient civilizations, where it was a test of skill and strength.

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While the exact origins of boxing are unclear, some sources suggest that its roots can be traced back to prehistoric times in what is now Ethiopia, around the sixth millennium BC. It is believed that the Egyptians learned the art of boxing from the Nubians, and the sport spread to Egypt, where it gained popularity. From Egypt, boxing then spread to Greece, Mesopotamia, and eventually to Rome.

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Boxing has long been a test of skill and strength, and over time, its modern form evolved with the introduction of the Queensberry Rules in the mid-1800s.

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The World Adaptive Boxing Council (WABC) was founded by Colin Wood in 2014, President of the WABC and a vision impaired sports coach from London. With this, a new era in boxing began, giving adaptive athletes the chance to participate and compete in the sport.

 

​So how can wheelchair & adaptive boxing work?

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Paul Robinson and Phil Bousfield becoming the UK’s First Wheelchair Boxers

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In a historic moment at an underground nightclub in London, two disabled fighters, Paul Robinson and Phil Bousfield, made boxing history by becoming the first British athletes to compete in wheelchairs designed for boxing.

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"It was the scariest thing I've ever done, especially in front of a large crowd," said Wood. "We were stepping into the unknown, with events aimed at showcasing how adaptive athletes could box." The event, presented by WCMMA, took place on 4th December 2015 in London.  

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International Adaptive Boxing Begins​

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In June 2024, the ASDC presented the 1st International Adaptive Boxing Event in Moncarapacho, Portugal, on 15th June. 

 

"People probably thought it was some kind of April Fool's joke. They couldn't imagine how it would work and doubted that adaptive athletes could ever box at any level"

 

However, the feedback from fans watching the international event in Portugal was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees praised the event’s organization and were impressed by the athletes' performances. In 2024 alone, the WABC hosted three major adaptive boxing events with the support of the FPB (Portuguese Boxing Federation).

 

"...WABC athletes are just like any other boxers. We train hard, throw punches, and we can hit just as hard with our gloves. That's why we need new innovations in headguards and safety gear, so we can box safely at a level comparable to able-bodied athletes," said Robinson.

 

Robinson won his match on points after three rounds of three minutes, under Olympic-style amateur boxing rules. The event also marked the start of the process for achieving National Governing Body (NGB) status, a major step forward for adaptive boxing. 

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After posting a short video of the first international adaptive boxing fight in Portugal on social media, the WABC received both positive and negative feedback. Some users expressed being "unimpressed" and felt the fight lacked excitement.  

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However the WABC want people to view the sport from the perspective of adaptive athletes and understand how new this sport truly is.

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"We understand why people are sceptical about wheelchair or adaptive boxing... Many people think adaptive athletes are in a vulnerable position. But what adaptive boxing offers is a sense of participation and inclusion. It boosts self-esteem and confidence, which are critical for people who use wheelchairs or have disabilities in general."

 

Fighters are classified by their disabilities, undergo stringent medical assessments, and then move into their preferred weight classes. The sport is rapidly growing, with athletes of all disabilities now welcome to box.

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    "We had to ensure that all disabilities were included, meaning everyone had a chance to compete"

 

"We are becoming an umbrella organization, and for the first time, we are working in partnership with the FPB. This collaboration ensures we stay under the same rules and regulations, which is a huge step forward for adaptive boxing."

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The World Adaptive Boxing Council (WABC), now serves as the governing body for adaptive boxing, with members from countries around the world.

 

Unlike traditional boxing, the WABC introduces a new safety policy with seven key structures designed specifically to protect adaptive athletes during bouts.

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Paralympic Ambitions:

A Significant Challenge

 

"It's a big challenge for a sport to meet the criteria for Paralympic consideration"

 

For many disabled athletes, the ultimate goal is to represent their country in the Paralympics or to compete for a world boxing title. However, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has stated that wheelchair boxing can only be considered for Paralympic participation if it meets strict criteria—criteria that must be met in at least 32 countries across four continents.

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 "I'm interested to see what wheelchair boxing has to offer," said Craig Spence, Director of Communications at the IPC. "The WABC needs to present a clear plan for how they intend to develop the sport. It must also be widely practiced in at least 32 countries across four continents before it can be considered for the Paralympic program."

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Despite the challenge, WABC remains confident that wheelchair and adaptive boxing can continue to grow on a global scale.

 

"We are in talks with other countries that are interested in joining us as part of our international organization," said Wood. "We believe wheelchair boxing will be on the international stage by 2026."

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 "Our ambitions for the Paralympics may not be realized until 2028 at the earliest. However, by establishing the WABC, we are creating a better understanding of wheelchair and adaptive boxing through structured leagues. When we reach the Paralympic level, we will be ready to showcase to the world how adaptive boxing can be done safely and professionally."

 

The journey begins, and the rest is history...

 

WABC President Colin Wood

"Together We Can Do More"