Boxing will stay on the Olympic program at the Los Angeles 2028 Games after International Olympic Committee (IOC) members voted unanimously on Thursday to approve its inclusion. The decision resolves years of uncertainty about the sport’s Olympic future, after governance issues forced the I.O.C. to sever ties with the Russian-led International Boxing Association, or I.B.A.
The reinstatement of the sport follows the IOC Executive Board’s formal recognition of World Boxing as the new international federation to govern the sport. It is a remarkable change in leadership, guaranteeing that boxing will maintain its Olympic tradition, after having formed part of every Games since 1904, apart from in Stockholm 1912 when it was banned under Swedish law.
A Defining Moment for Olympic Boxing
The IOC stepped in to run the tournaments at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics through it because of governance issues including IBA’s lack of financial transparency and ethical violations, and boxing was at risk of exclusion from the Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach had cautioned that the sport’s national federations had to come on board with a credible governing body if they wanted the sport to be on the program at Los Angeles 2028.
This recognition was led by the International Boxing and Olympic Committee, and it is an important milestone for boxing ensuring fair competition from the world of boxing. It also offers a clear path to young boxers dreaming of Olympic glory now that doubts over their participation have been settled.
Effects on Boxing and the Olympics
This decision restores credibility and global legitimacy to boxing after years of turmoil. It strengthens the Olympic movement’s commitment to athlete welfare and fair play, reflecting world-wide standards for good governance.
The vote also comes at a critical moment for the IOC, as one of the final major decisions of Thomas Bach’s 12-year presidential term. The election of a new IOC president will take place later Thursday, with among the leading candidates being Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics president Sebastian Coe and former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
With UFC’s future now assured, attention turns to how World Boxing can lead the sport forward, safeguarding competitive integrity at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
