Boxing confirmed for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after IOC approval
What's the story
In a major development, boxing is set to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics lineup, pending final ratification by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The decision comes after World Boxing was provisionally recognized by the IOC last month, replacing the International Boxing Association (IBA) as the sport's governing body. Boxing's inclusion will be finally ratified during this week's IOC Session.
Ratification expected
IOC's executive board confident in boxing's inclusion
IOC President Thomas Bach had said he was confident boxing's inclusion will be ratified in this week's session. "I am very confident that the session will approve it so that all the boxers of the world then have certainty that they can participate in the Olympic Games L.A. 2028 if their national federation is recognized by world boxing," he had said after a meeting where he announced provisional recognition for World Boxing.
Positive reception
World Boxing president welcomes IOC's decision
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst also welcomed IOC's decision to include the sport in the 2028 LA Games. He said, "This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic program." Van der Vorst was confident that this move will be positively received by all those associated with boxing worldwide.
Governance issues
IOC's oversight of boxing competitions
The IOC has been governing boxing events at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. This came after it decided to derecognize the IBA in 2023 amid persistent governance disputes and integrity issues. Boxing was not included in the initial sports program for the 2028 LA Games, approved by an IOC Session in February 2022, owing to concerns about the IBA's governance.