03/27/2025
Boxing is not broken. Despite what the perpetually miserable curmudgeons who report on or participate in the sport say, boxing is not dead. On the contrary, boxing is in another boom era.
With major events selling out arenas worldwide, elite-level fights happening more frequently, and new markets emerging, the sport is thriving. Yet, the sanctioning bodies—often criticized for their lack of transparency, outdated policies, and questionable rankings—have been slow to evolve with the times. That is, until now.
Photo Credit: WBO
Enter Gustavo Olivieri, the newly elected president of the World Boxing Organization (WBO). Four months into his tenure, Olivieri has already made waves, challenging the status quo and implementing bold new ideas. From fighter welfare initiatives to grassroots development in Latin America, his vision for the WBO is one of innovation, investment, and transparency.
In an exclusive interview with Brunch Boxing, Olivieri laid out his roadmap for the WBO’s future, addressing how his tenure will differ from that of longtime predecessor Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel and what changes he hopes to implement.
Photo Credit: WBO
The WBO has long been one of boxing’s four major sanctioning bodies, but under Olivieri’s leadership, it seeks to redefine its role in the sport. He acknowledges that while the organization’s primary function is to sanction fights and award titles, that alone is not enough.
“We can’t simply sanction a fight for a regional title, have a fighter rated, then move him up the rankings, give him a mandatory shot, and award him a belt. That’s cool, right? But we need to do more.”
One of the biggest criticisms of sanctioning bodies is the lack of tangible benefits for fighters beyond recognition. Olivieri wants to change that by reinvesting sanctioning fees directly into initiatives that help fighters build financial security and marketability.
“People rightfully ask, ‘What do you do with the sanctioning fees?’ Well, beyond operational expenses, we need to do more for the fighters themselves.”
Photo Credit: WBO
One of Olivieri’s flagship initiatives is a financial literacy program for fighters. While top-level boxers with major promotional backing have access to financial advisors, many others do not.
“I’m developing pilot programs for fighters to understand basic financial concepts—what’s a savings account, a checking account, an investment fund, a retirement fund? What’s a 1040 IRS form when you’re a professional service provider?”
Beyond financial literacy, Olivieri recognizes that not all fighters have the luxury of being promoted by powerhouse figures like Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, or Al Haymon. For those without major backing, the WBO is looking to provide education on personal branding, media training, and social media promotion.
“Fighters are their own brand. They need to know how to be marketable, how to conduct themselves before the media, and how to maximize digital platforms in today’s era.”
Currently, WBO champions who successfully defend their title five consecutive times are awarded a ceremonial ring. While this is a nice recognition, Olivieri wants to add a tangible financial reward that benefits the fighter’s long-term stability.
Photo Credit: WBO
“Let’s say a champion has defended their belt five times and paid $50,000 in sanctioning fees. Instead of just a ring, what if we say, ‘Hey champ, we’re giving you back $40,000 to help cover your first property’s closing costs or down payment?’”
Fighters would also have the option to allocate the funds to a retirement account or a nonprofit organization of their choosing.
“In other words, we should be implementing changes that directly impact the fighter’s future. That’s my goal.”
While Olivieri is introducing major policy changes at the top level, he is also deeply invested in grassroots boxing development, particularly in South and Central America.
“The WBO is a Puerto Rican sanctioning body created by Puerto Ricans. It is a Latin American organization at its core, and we need to go back to our home base.”
Photo Credit: WBO
As part of this mission, the WBO is investing in gym renovations, equipment donations, and amateur boxing programs to help keep young athletes off the streets and provide them with opportunities through boxing.
“Boxing comes from the most humble and underprivileged communities. If we can provide young kids with access to a gym, keep them engaged in the sport, and give them a path to something positive, that’s a win.”
The WBO will further reinforce this initiative during its annual convention in Bogotá, Colombia, in October 2025, where it plans to announce additional investments in Latin American boxing infrastructure.
One of the most surprising yet impactful moves under Olivieri’s leadership has been the WBO’s partnership with Jake Paul’s Boxing Bullies foundation. Together, they have renovated over 14 boxing gyms in Puerto Rico and are now expanding their efforts internationally.
Photo Credit: WBO
“When I was serving as the WBO’s in-house lawyer, I saw that Jake Paul had opened a nonprofit in Puerto Rico focused on anti-bullying through boxing. I told Paco [Valcárcel] that this could be a very cool and successful partnership.”
The program identifies gyms in need—especially government-run facilities that lack funding—and works with local authorities to renovate them.
“We tell the local government, ‘Hey, you need to repair the structure and make it functional, and then we’ll come in with our program, provide the equipment, and brand the gym.’”
Photo Credit: WBO
Recently, the initiative expanded to the United States, with its first gym renovation in Dallas, Texas, during the week of the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Future projects are already in motion beyond the U.S. mainland.
“We split the costs with Boxing Bullies, allowing us to impact more communities worldwide.”
The Olivieri era of the WBO is already proving to be vastly different from the organization’s past. In just four months, he has introduced new financial support programs for fighters, increased engagement with fans on social media, and reinforced the WBO’s commitment to grassroots boxing.
And with that focus on fighter welfare, financial stability, and global grassroots development, the WBO under Gustavo Olivieri is shaping up to be a sanctioning body that truly serves the fighters and the sport.
Photo Credit: WBO
While his ideas have met some resistance from traditionalists within the organization, Olivieri remains committed to modernization.
“It’s been challenging, but at the same time, I’m having lots of fun implementing changes. The WBO had the same leadership structure for nearly 30 years, so there’s always resistance to new ideas. But we’re getting there. I’m just a 41-year-old guy bringing innovation and professionalism to the WBO.”
And that’s the kind of evolution boxing needs.
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