In hugely positive news for the sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted to reinstate boxing into the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This decision, approved unanimously at the 144th IOC Session on March 20, 2025, marks a victory for athletes and boxing fans worldwide.
The sport’s inclusion was initially jeopardised due to severe issues within the now-derecognised International Boxing Association (IBA). The IOC’s decision to exclude boxing from the initial LA28 program, approved in 2022, stemmed from concerns over the IBA’s governance, finances, ethical standards, and refereeing integrity.
“This decision represents a significant victory for athletes and the global boxing community,” said IOC President Thomas Bach, expressing his anticipation for a successful boxing tournament in Los Angeles.
The IOC had previously suspended and ultimately derecognised the IBA in June 2023, citing officiating scandals, corruption allegations, and financial transparency issues. Adding to the controversy, the IBA’s sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom further strained its relationship with the IOC.
In response to the crisis, World Boxing was launched on April 13, 2023, by a coalition of national boxing federations aiming to preserve boxing’s Olympic status. Emphasising good governance, financial transparency, and athlete-centered policies, World Boxing quickly gained traction.
“This is a great day for the sport,” declared World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to Olympic values.
The IOC granted World Boxing provisional recognition in February 2025, paving the way for the sport’s reinstatement. A critical condition for national federations to participate in LA28 is that they must be recognised members of World Boxing by the start of the qualification events.
Unlike the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, where the IOC directly managed the boxing tournaments, the organisation has confirmed that World Boxing will oversee the LA28 events, signaling renewed confidence in the federation.
Gennadiy Golovkin, Chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission, highlighted the decision’s importance in preserving athletes’ Olympic dreams. USA Boxing President Tyson Lee hailed it as a victory for integrity.
However, the IBA has strongly criticised the IOC’s decision, accusing it of political motivation and questioning World Boxing’s legitimacy. IBA President Umar Kremlev accused the IOC of interference.
The IOC’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding high governance standards within the Olympic movement. The future of boxing in the Olympics now hinges on World Boxing’s ability to maintain the IOC’s trust by consistently demonstrating ethical leadership, financial accountability, and fair competition.
