The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed the inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This decision, reached during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, marks a significant milestone following years of controversy surrounding the sport’s governance.
Resolution of Governance Issues Paves the Way
Boxing’s road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics was fraught with challenges, primarily due to governance issues with the International Boxing Association (IBA). Since 2019, the IBA faced criticism over governance failures and financial dependencies, leading to its suspension by the IOC in 2023. Consequently, the IOC assumed responsibility for overseeing boxing tournaments at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.
To address these challenges, the IOC provisionally recognized World Boxing, a newly formed international federation, as the sport’s governing body in February 2025. This recognition was crucial in facilitating boxing’s return to the Olympic program, with World Boxing now comprising 84 national federations globally.
World Boxing: A Reliable Partner for the Future
World Boxing’s creation in 2023 aimed to restore integrity and trust in Olympic boxing. The organization quickly garnered the support of a majority of boxing federations worldwide. IOC President Thomas Bach expressed confidence in World Boxing’s leadership, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the values of the Olympic Charter.
Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, stated, “Being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege, and we are committed to being a trustworthy partner in upholding the sport’s integrity.” His statement underscores the organization’s dedication to ensuring fair and transparent competition.
Implications for the Sport and Athletes
The reinstatement of boxing in the Olympic program is a significant relief for athletes and federations worldwide. The sport has a storied Olympic history, dating back to 1904 for men and 2012 for women. As the sport transitions under World Boxing’s governance, athletes can look forward to a stable and transparent qualification process for Los Angeles 2028.
Looking ahead, the IOC and World Boxing aim to foster a competitive environment that reflects the Olympic spirit. This decision signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring that boxing remains a core part of the Olympic Games, providing athletes with a platform to showcase their talents on the world stage.
The inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics not only preserves the sport’s Olympic legacy but also reflects the successful resolution of past governance issues. With World Boxing now at the helm, the sport is poised for a new era of transparency and integrity. As the global boxing community rallies behind this development, the focus shifts towards preparing athletes for what promises to be an exciting and competitive Olympic experience in Los Angeles.
