Boxing Australia has been plunged into fresh turmoil after chief executive Dinah Glykidis resigned, intensifying a leadership crisis just weeks before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Her departure follows the resignation of national integrity manager Kelly Loakes, while high-performance manager Jonathan Hall remains on leave, according to multiple media reports.
The organisation is also yet to appoint a permanent national head coach following Santiago Nieva's resignation in December 2025.
Hall has temporarily been replaced by Jamie Pittman, the former Australian national head coach who returned to the organisation after serving a six-month suspension over admitted sexual misconduct involving female boxers.
The latest leadership upheaval leaves Boxing Australia without a permanent chief executive, head coach, integrity manager or high-performance manager as preparations continue for the Commonwealth Games, which begin on 23 July.
Integrity concerns
Pittman's return has reignited scrutiny over Boxing Australia's governance and athlete welfare.
In 2024, the National Sports Tribunal found Pittman guilty of 11 counts of inappropriate behaviour, documenting conduct that included the "sexual objectification of women that is puerile, infantile and lacking in sensitivity and awareness". Athletes and support staff described the behaviour as "shocking", "offensive" and "inappropriate".
Pittman did not contest the findings and served a six-month suspension before returning to Boxing Australia as performance pathways lead. He is currently acting as high-performance manager during Hall's leave.
Boxing Australia has maintained that the matter was appropriately handled.
As reported by BA to 7News, “Raising a concluded integrity matter in a public forum, in the context of an allegation about a separate non-selection decision, does not re-open that matter and does not reflect the process that exists for athletes who have current integrity concerns.”
Athlete speaks out
The leadership crisis comes amid public criticism from Olympic boxer Marissa Williamson-Pohlman, who accused Boxing Australia of damaging her career after she spoke out against Pittman's continued employment.
In a video shared on social media, Williamson-Pohlman claimed she had been "bullied, re-victimised and discriminated against" and said she would not compete at the Commonwealth Games.
"Please stop using my f****** face and my name to promote the Commonwealth Games, because I am not going ... you robbed me of that opportunity," Williamson-Pohlman said.
Boxing Australia rejected the allegations and denied that her omission from the Commonwealth Games squad was linked to her complaints.
"Boxing Australia categorically rejects Ms Williamson Pohlman's allegation that her non-selection to Boxing Australia's 2026 CGA team was a consequence of complaints made by her against Boxing Australia or its employees," the organisation said.
It added that Williamson-Pohlman was beaten by Eva Bryson at the 2025 Australian Boxing Championships and, although she was granted permission to compete at the Commonwealth Games selection event, chose not to attend.
"However, Ms Williamson Pohlman chose not to attend the selection event. As a result, she did not meet the eligibility requirements set out in Boxing Australia's Selection Policy for nomination to the 2026 Commonwealth Games team."
Executive departures
Loakes said she resigned because the organisation no longer reflected her professional values and because of concerns over the support provided to the integrity function.
"The decision to resign was not made lightly," Loakes said.
"I am passionate about creating safe, fair, and accountable sporting environments, and I believe integrity functions are most effective when they are supported and empowered to address issues openly and constructively.
"The lack of support I experienced, combined with the demands associated with managing a high volume of complex integrity matters, had a significant impact on my wellbeing.
"Despite the challenges, I am confident that the work completed during my tenure contributed positively to the ongoing development of integrity and safeguarding within the sport."
Board responds
Boxing Australia president Phillip Goodes thanked Glykidis for her contribution, saying the board had anticipated her departure.
"Dinah has made a valuable contribution to Boxing Australia and to the continued growth and professionalism of our sport," Goodes said.
"On behalf of the board and the broader boxing community, we thank Dinah for her dedication and wish her every success in her future endeavours."
In a statement issued by Boxing Australia, Glykidis reflected on her tenure but declined to comment on the organisation's culture.
"It has been an honour to work alongside our athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, member associations and partners in supporting boxing across Australia," Glykidis said.
"I am proud of what has been achieved during my time with Boxing Australia and look forward to seeing the sport continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead."
The back-to-back departures of senior leaders have left Boxing Australia facing significant governance and operational challenges at a crucial time.
With the Commonwealth Games set to begin on 23 July, the organisation now enters the competition under mounting scrutiny over its leadership, integrity processes and athlete welfare.