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Boxing to Feature in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics After Governance Changes

Boxing will once again be part of the Olympic Games, featuring in the 2028 event in Los Angeles, after overcoming significant governance challenges that had sidelined the sport for several years.

On Monday, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach announced the executive board’s decision to include boxing in the program for the upcoming Olympics. While the final confirmation is pending a vote at the full IOC session later this week, such approvals are typically considered a formality.

The IOC took a proactive role in organizing boxing competitions during the Tokyo Olympics of 2021 and the 2024 Paris Games, in response to deteriorating relations with the International Boxing Association (IBA). This shift was necessary as the IOC sought a reliable partner for the sport ahead of the 2028 Games.

Last month, the IOC acknowledged a new governing body known as World Boxing, which is expected to help restore order and integrity to the sport moving forward. This recognition is crucial for the participation of boxers from around the globe in the Los Angeles Olympics.

“I am very confident that the session will approve it so that all the boxers of the world then have certainty that they can participate in the Olympic Games L.A. 2028 if their national federation is recognized by World Boxing,” stated Bach, emphasizing the importance of this development for athletes.

The IBA’s troubles began in 2019 when the IOC suspended the organization due to long-standing issues regarding governance, financial stability, and concerns over the fairness of scoring and judging. This trend culminated in 2023 when the IOC took the rare step of officially expelling the IBA from the Olympic framework following the emergence of World Boxing.

Since its suspension, the IBA has engaged in ongoing tensions with the IOC, particularly regarding the eligibility criteria for female boxers participating in the Paris Olympics. The IBA recently announced intentions to file criminal complaints against the IOC in multiple countries, including the United States, France, and Switzerland.

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the inclusion of boxing represents a positive shift, promising renewed focus and governance that aims to restore the sport’s reputation on the global stage.

Source
www.cbc.ca