Ecuadorian Boxing Federation crisis sidelines Olympic boxers ahead of 2026 South American Games

A dispute between the Ecuadorian Boxing Federation (FEB) and World Boxing has left the national boxing program in paralysis. The conflict over international recognition has prevented the federation from organising training camps, leaving Olympic qualifiers Gerlon Congo (+92 kg) and María José Palacios without national support for more than seven months. The athletes report having to fund their own coaches and rely on improvised training plans delivered via WhatsApp.

Congo, a Paris 2024 Olympian and 2025 Bolivarian Games champion, said, “We have had a seven‑month shutdown. We can’t even train together nationally.” Palacios, the first Ecuadorian female boxer to qualify for the Paris Olympics, echoed the frustration. Both fear reduced income and jeopardised performance ahead of the 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe, Argentina, where they hope to compete for gold. The crisis threatens the athletes’ preparation under the country’s High‑Performance Plan.