The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is on the lookout for a new governance body for Olympic boxing to ensure its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This development follows the removal of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its role in overseeing the boxing events for the Tokyo 2021 and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently upheld the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA, further complicating the association's future in Olympic boxing. This decision was influenced by criticisms directed at the IBA's Russian leadership, specifically regarding the use of threatening language.
A priority for the IOC is the continuation of boxing within the Olympics. The organization is actively seeking a credible International Federation to partner with by early 2025, highlighting the sport's widespread appeal and the IOC's commitment to preserving its Olympic legacy.
New Beginning for Olympic Boxing
In response to the current predicament, a new faction, World Boxing, comprising members from 27 nations, has emerged. This group has begun organizing tournaments and is dedicated to ensuring boxing's future in the Olympics. Their efforts signal a promising direction for the sport, striving to fill the void left by the IBA's exclusion.
Despite the setback, the IBA is considering appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling to the Swiss supreme court. They argue that their recent reform efforts have been unjustly overlooked.
A Call to Action
Reflecting on the importance of boxing in the Olympic Games, an IOC representative remarked, "Because of the universality and high social inclusivity of boxing, the IOC wants it to continue to feature on the program of the Olympic Games." The statement underscores boxing's historic and cultural significance, emphasizing the need for a responsible governing body to oversee its operations.
The IOC has made it clear that maintaining boxing as part of the Olympic program for the Los Angeles 2028 games is not guaranteed. The removal of the IBA has placed the sport in a precarious position, prompting the need for swift action. "Unfortunately, this is far from certain for the Olympic Games LA 2028 because, for governance reasons, the IOC is not in a position to organize another Olympic boxing tournament. To keep boxing on the Olympic program, the IOC needs a recognized and reliable International Federation as a partner, as with all the other Olympic sports," the IOC articulated.
World Boxing has responded to this urgent situation with a sense of immediacy. "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking," they stated, highlighting the pressing need for action. The organization is urging stakeholders in the boxing community to come together and support their efforts to ensure boxing's future in the Olympics. "We urge every one of them that cares about boxers and the future of the sport to apply to join and support World Boxing in its efforts to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement, before it is too late," they voiced.
On the other side, the IBA remains hopeful that their reform efforts will be recognized. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," they stated, indicating their disagreement with the IOC's verdict.
In conclusion, the future of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance as the IOC seeks a new partner to manage the sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The formation of World Boxing presents a glimmer of hope, set against the backdrop of the IBA's fight to reclaim its position. As stakeholders from around the world rally to secure boxing's Olympic status, the sport finds itself at a critical juncture, one that will define its legacy for years to come.