Boxing, a sport with a rich 120-year history in the Olympic Games, will be excluded from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This significant decision comes as a result of ongoing governance, financial, and corruption issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA), leading the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take this drastic step.

Background: IBA’s Struggles and IOC’s Concerns

The trouble between the IBA and the IOC is not new. The IOC first suspended its recognition of the IBA back in 2019 due to serious concerns over governance and financial transparency. Despite being given multiple opportunities to reform, the IBA, under the leadership of President Umar Kremlev since 2020, has failed to address these issues satisfactorily. The IOC cited issues such as unethical refereeing and judging, as well as financial dependence on the Russian energy giant Gazprom, as critical factors leading to their decision.

IOC’s Final Decision

On June 22, 2023, the IOC formally recommended the withdrawal of the IBA’s recognition, effectively removing boxing from the Olympic program after the Paris 2024 Games. The IOC will not run the boxing competitions at the 2028 Olympics unless a new, credible international boxing federation emerges.

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World Boxing: A New Beginning?

In response to the crisis, several national federations, including those from the USA, the UK, and Sweden, have formed a new organization, World Boxing (WB), in 2023. However, despite its quick formation and gaining 37 members, it is not yet recognized by the IOC. This leaves the future of Olympic boxing in a state of uncertainty.

Conclusion

The exclusion of boxing from the 2028 Olympics is a historic decision that reflects the IOC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Olympic sports. As the situation develops, the global boxing community is faced with the challenge of establishing a new, transparent governing body to restore the sport’s Olympic status.

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