The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently on the quest for a new governing body to oversee Olympic boxing, aiming to ensure the sport's continuation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This development follows the removal of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its role in both 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, citing governance issues that have cast a shadow over the sport's future in the Olympic movement. The IOC has expressed concerns over the leadership within the IBA, particularly criticizing the Russian leadership for their use of threatening language. This criticism is part of a broader discontent with the organization’s management and governance of the sport.
Seeking New Leadership
In response to these challenges, the IOC has made it a priority to find a reliable International Federation by early 2025. This federation would partner with the IOC to manage boxing's Olympic journey, maintaining the sport's legacy within the games. “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,” an IOC representative stated, underscoring the sport's global appeal and its significance to the Olympic tradition.
Despite the IOC's keen interest in keeping boxing as part of the Olympics, the committee has stated, “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 without a recognized and reliable International Federation as a partner, as with all the other Olympic sports.” This statement highlights the urgency of finding a solution to the governance issues plaguing Olympic boxing.
World Boxing Steps Up
In the wake of these developments, a new faction named World Boxing, comprising members from 27 nations, has emerged. World Boxing has started hosting tournaments and is actively working towards securing boxing’s place in the Olympic program. “This is an urgent situation, and the clock is ticking,” a representative from World Boxing stated, emphasizing the critical need for action to ensure boxing’s future in the Olympics. They also called on all stakeholders who are passionate about the sport and its Olympic future to support their initiative before it's too late.
The IBA’s Stance
Meanwhile, the IBA is contemplating appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to the Swiss supreme court. The organization claims that its efforts to reform have been overlooked. “The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view,” said an IBA spokesperson, indicating a belief that their attempts at governance reform have not been duly recognized or appreciated.
The situation around Olympic boxing governance represents a significant crossroads for the sport's relationship with the Olympic Games, one of the oldest and most prestigious platforms for athletic competition. As the IOC looks for new partnerships to ensure boxing's Olympic future, and with entities like World Boxing stepping up to the challenge, the global boxing community remains hopeful that the sport will retain its rightful place in the Olympic program. However, the path to 2028 is fraught with institutional and governance challenges that must be addressed to keep Olympic boxing alive.
The coming months and years will undoubtedly be a period of crucial decision-making and transformation for Olympic boxing. The stakeholders involved, from the IOC to newly emerging organizations like World Boxing and the IBA itself, will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the sport within the Olympic movement. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the boxing world watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that preserves the sport’s dignified legacy and ensures its continuance in one of the world’s most celebrated athletic spectacles.