Tanner steps down as Boxing Australia President after 18 years

Ted Tanner has departed Boxing Australia as President ©Boxing Australia

Ted Tanner has departed his position as President of Boxing Australia, ending a lengthy tenure as head of the sport.

First taking up the role in 2005, Tanner oversaw Australian development, leading to a bronze medal for Harry Garside at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games – the nation’s first Olympic boxing medal in over three decades.

Progress did not end there, as he oversaw the appointment of Santiago Nieva earlier this year as the new national head coach prior to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Australia won three gold medals, as well as two silvers and three bronzes at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on home soil under his watch too.

Most recently, Tanner supported the candidacy of Dutch Boxing Federation head Boris van der Vorst in his bid to become the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA).

“To ensure we keep boxing in the Olympic Movement and in the Olympic Games, we must elect Boris van der Vorst as President of IBA,” he wrote in a letter of support in September, making him one of a few National Federation heads to not support current IBA leader Umar Kremlev.

At the most-recent Boxing Australia Annual General Meeting, Tanner was given the organisation’s Order of Merit accolade for his service to the sport.

“Congratulations on your well-deserved acknowledgement,” said Boxing Australia in a statement.

“Your steadfast passion, faith and dedication to this organisation will always be remembered.

“Most of all, thank you for all of the hard work and loyalty that you have displayed throughout those years of service.”

Boxing Victoria sent a message of congratulations to the veteran too.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations on being awarded the Boxing Australia Order of Merit,” they said.

“We also take this opportunity to thank you for your tireless contribution to the sport of boxing and remain grateful for all you have done for our athletes, coaches, clubs and sport.”

Tanner also acted as a vice-president for Oceania for the IBA, then known as AIBA, elected in 2014.

At the same time as the outgoing President, David Walker and Shelley Watts departed from the Boxing Australia Board.

Taking over from Tanner as President is former director Phillip Goodes.

Ann Tindall and Wayne Tolton were appointed to the Board on three-year terms, while Nick Tisoulos and Brad Hore are to serve for two years and one year respectively.

By Michael Houston