The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) started its journey on 25th February 1949, primarily, due to some great efforts made by the Bombay Presidency Amateur Boxing Federation (BPABF) that was formed in 1925. The President of BPABF from 1944-1948, Mr. H.V. Pointon played an all-important role in the formation of the IABF. Major F.G.Baker bore the role of Convenor-Secretary at the Inaugural Meeting of the IABF that was held at the Governor`s Pavilion of the Cricket Club of India. The C.I.E., O.B.E, Bar-at-Law and also the President of the BPABF, Mr. Oscar H. Brown was the Chairman of this meeting and he also became the first President of the Indian Amateur Boxing federation (IABF). Major Baker was elected as the Secretary of the IABF at this meeting. This organization has done a great deal towards recognizing the raw talent throughout the country and proving them with the platform to showcase their talent at the national level. The Bombay province first sowed the seeds of the boxing competition at the basic level, which later gained popularity and established itself.
Apart from the BPABF, the Bengal Amateur Boxing Federation (BABF) has also played a major role in the early years of the IABF and has produced some of the famous boxers during that period. The IABF started its journey on a slow pace and there were only eight state organisations affiliated to IABF during the first two years of its inception. The members were the likes of Mumbai, Chennai C.P & Berar, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, railways and airways. In its 59 years` journey so far, the IABF has done some great jobs for the well being of boxing in India. In a country like India there is no dearth of talent. The only thing one has to keep in mind is the fact that the process of selection must be done in a careful manner. Selection of raw talent and proving them with required opportunity to showcase their talent is essential part of this organization and it has been doing it effectively since its inception.
The IABF has been organising the senior national championships on a regular basis for the past 55 years and it has also organised 42 Junior and 22 Sub-Junior championships so far. Apart from that, the IABF has also participated in several International tournaments and won many International laurels including Asia`s Best Boxer award- Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya awards and two Padmashree Awards. The IABF is now in charge of all activities regarding the game of Boxing in India at the moment.