Boxing’s place in the Olympic Games appears to be secure once again after years of uncertainty. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board has recommended that boxing be included in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, a decision that is expected to be formally approved in the coming days. This follows the recognition of World Boxing as the sport’s new international federation, paving the way for its continued presence in the Olympics.
The decision comes after a turbulent period for Olympic boxing. The sport has been part of every Summer Olympics since 1904 and has produced legendary champions, from Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard to Katie Taylor and Oleksandr Usyk. However, its future was thrown into doubt after the IOC suspended its previous governing body, the International Boxing Association, in 2019. The IBA faced allegations of financial mismanagement and concerns over the integrity of fight scoring, leading to its eventual removal from the Olympic movement in 2023.
Despite the IBA’s absence, boxing was still included in the Olympic programs for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 under the direct supervision of the IOC. However, without a recognized governing body, the sport was not initially scheduled for inclusion in the Los Angeles Games. This uncertainty raised fears that boxing could be permanently sidelined from the Olympic movement, which would have had significant consequences for the sport.
The emergence of World Boxing has been instrumental in changing this landscape. Established in 2022 by Boris van der Vorst, the president of the Dutch boxing federation, the new organization has quickly gained legitimacy. With 84 member states and strong backing from British and American officials, it has positioned itself as a credible alternative to the IBA.
Following the IOC’s recommendation, World Boxing’s leadership expressed optimism about the sport’s Olympic future. The organization emphasized that Olympic inclusion is a privilege and committed to upholding the values of the Olympic Charter. The final approval of boxing’s place in LA28 is expected to bring much-needed stability and reassurance to athletes and fans alike.
