The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board recommended including boxing in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
While the final decision rests with the IOC during its session this week in Greece, outgoing president Thomas Bach expressed confidence that the recommendation would receive approval.
The IOC initially excluded boxing from the program for the LA 2028 Olympics when it released the event’s lineup in 2022.
However, following the provisional recognition of World Boxing as the sport’s governing body, the IOC confirmed its recommendation to include boxing in the upcoming Games.
Bach emphasized, “After the provisional recognition of World Boxing in February, we were in a position to take this decision. This recommendation has to go to the session, but I am very confident they will approve it so that all the boxers of the world have certainty they can participate in the Olympic Games in LA.”
IBA Suspension And The Rise Of World Boxing
Boxing’s exclusion from the 2028 Games followed the suspension of the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2019, due to concerns over governance, finances, refereeing, and ethical issues.
In response, World Boxing established itself in April 2023 and the IOC granted it provisional recognition on February 26, 2025.
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The organization held its first formal meeting with the IOC in May 2024, marking a significant step toward boxing’s potential return to the Olympic program.
World Boxing’s Commitment To Olympic Values
Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, acknowledged the significance of the decision, emphasizing that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege.
He expressed full commitment to adhering to the Olympic Charter’s values, saying, “This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic programme.”
Van der Vorst further reassured the IOC, stating, “World Boxing understands being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right. If boxing is restore to the programme for LA28, we completely committed to a trustworthy and reliable partner upholding the values of the Olympic Charter.”
Looking Ahead To LA28
The recommendation from the IOC Executive Board signals a hopeful future for boxing in the Olympic Games.
Boxers worldwide eagerly await confirmation that they will be able to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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