A Historic Olympic Sport
Boxing at the 2028 Olympics is at risk of being excluded. The sport has been part of the Summer Olympic Games since 1904, with only one exception in 1912 due to Sweden’s ban. The 2008 Beijing Olympics were the last Games where boxing was a male-only event. Since 2012, women’s boxing has also been included, marking a significant evolution for the sport. However, the future of boxing in the Olympics is now uncertain, with the possibility of its removal from the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Boxing’s Governance Under IBA
For years, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has overseen Olympic boxing. The organization has been responsible for rules, judging, and athlete eligibility. However, ongoing issues with governance, financial transparency, and refereeing controversies have led to increasing tensions between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and IBA.
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IOC & IBA: A Troubled Relationship
The strained relationship between IOC and IBA has worsened over the years. Concerns over corruption, match-fixing, and financial mismanagement have plagued IBA, leading to its eventual suspension. The IOC has repeatedly warned the boxing federation about the need for reforms, but inadequate responses from the IBA led to drastic actions.
IOC’s Ban on IBA
The IOC suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance issues, citing unresolved corruption and financial transparency concerns. A 2022 IOC audit revealed the IBA’s reliance on Russian state-owned Gazprom funding, breaching neutrality principles. In June 2023, the IOC banned the IBA permanently, stripping its authority to organize Olympic boxing.
IOC’s Handling of Boxing at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics
With the IBA sidelined, the IOC oversaw boxing directly in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Task forces handled qualifiers and competitions, ensuring athlete participation despite administrative chaos. While events proceeded smoothly, the absence of a recognized governing body raised long-term viability questions.
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Conditions for Boxing’s Inclusion in Future Olympics
The IOC has set strict conditions for boxing at the 2028 Olympics and beyond. The key requirement is the establishment of a new, independent governing body that meets transparency and governance standards. Without these reforms, boxing risks permanent exclusion from future Games.
IBA’s Appeal to the U.S. Government
In response to the potential exclusion, IBA has sought support from the U.S. government. The organization has urged President Donald Trump’s administration to intervene and advocate for boxing’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. IBA hopes that U.S. influence can sway the IOC’s decision.
The Uncertain Future of Olympic Boxing
As of now, the IOC has not made an official announcement regarding boxing at the 2028 Olympics. However, given the current situation, it is highly likely that the sport will not be included. Unless a compliant federation emerges or political intervention sways the IOC, boxing faces its first Olympic absence in over a century.
