0
0 Boxing has taken a major step toward reclaiming its place in the Olympic Games.
On Monday, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that boxing be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The sport was previously removed from the Olympic program due to a series of officiating scandals, corruption allegations, and financial transparency issues.
The Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA), which previously governed the sport, was expelled from the Olympic movement after failing to implement necessary reforms. In response, the IOC took control of boxing tournaments at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics but made it clear it would not continue doing so.
With boxing at risk of being permanently dropped from the Olympics, a new governing body, World Boxing, was established to replace IBA and seek Olympic recognition. Last month, the IOC officially granted World Boxing provisional recognition, paving the way for the sport’s return.
Now, the IOC Executive Board has decided to present boxing for inclusion in the LA 2028 Games, pending approval from the IOC Session, which meets this week. If the proposal is approved, boxing will officially return to the Olympic program.
“After the provisional recognition of World Boxing in February, we were in a position to take this decision and put forward this recommendation to the session,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.
“I am very confident that the session will approve it, ensuring that all boxers worldwide can compete in LA 2028, provided their national federation is recognized by World Boxing.”
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst welcomed the decision, calling it a crucial moment for the sport.
“This is a very significant and important step for Olympic boxing,” he said. “I have no doubt it will be positively received by everyone involved in the sport. Being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege, not a right, and World Boxing is fully committed to upholding the values of the Olympic Charter.”
The final decision now rests with the IOC Session, which will determine whether boxing secures its place in LA 2028.
