Many boxing fans wondered if boxing would stick around for the 2028 Olympics. Well, the gloves are staying on for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After a rollercoaster of uncertainty, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed that boxing will remain part of the Games. It’s a big win for the sport, which has been an Olympic staple since 1904—well, except for that one time in 1912 when Sweden banned it (talk about a knockout blow).
Why Was Boxing Threatened to be Suspended?
Boxing’s Olympic future was on the ropes for a while, and the reasons behind it are a mix of governance issues, financial mismanagement, and officiating scandals. The International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly known as AIBA, was at the center of the controversy.
The IBA faced allegations of corruption, match-fixing, and a lack of financial transparency, which led the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend its recognition in 2019. Despite being given multiple opportunities to reform, the IBA failed to meet the IOC’s standards, resulting in its permanent expulsion in 2023.
The IOC itself has faced its share of challenges in recent years. Critics have pointed to issues like inconsistent decision-making, controversies over host city selections, and concerns about the transparency of its processes. For example, the IOC has been under scrutiny for its handling of athlete protests and its approach to addressing doping scandals.
These challenges have raised questions about the organization’s ability to effectively govern and maintain the integrity of the Olympic Games.
In the case of boxing, the IOC took matters into its own hands by running the boxing tournaments at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. However, it made it clear that it wouldn’t continue to do so indefinitely. This left boxing’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in jeopardy until World Boxing, a new governing body, stepped in to fill the void.
What Changed?
Enter World Boxing, a new governing body created to save the day. With a mission to ensure boxing’s Olympic status, World Boxing stepped up and earned provisional recognition from the IOC last month. This week, the IOC voted unanimously to include boxing in the 2028 Games, giving athletes and fans a reason to celebrate. As World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst put it, “This is a great day for boxers, boxing, and everyone connected with our sport at every level across the world.”
Of course, there’s a catch. Only athletes whose national federations are members of World Boxing will be eligible to compete in Los Angeles. So, if the federation hasn’t joined yet, it’s time to get moving—or risk sitting out the Games. Most countries will likely become eligible for the Los Angeles Olympics.
The decision to keep boxing in the Olympics is more than just a win for the sport; it’s a testament to its resilience and international growth. From its ancient roots to its modern-day battles, boxing has always been about grit, determination, and the thrill of the fight. And now, it’s ready to take center stage once again in 2028.
So, here’s to boxing’s comeback story—a reminder that even when the odds are stacked against you, a well-timed punch can turn things around.
