The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made it clear that boxing will only be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games if a new global governing body is established. This decision comes after the IOC stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition last year due to its failure to implement necessary reforms in governance and finance.
IOC’s prolonged altercation with IBA
The IBA, formerly known as AIBA, has been embroiled in controversies for years, including issues related to corruption, financial mismanagement, and questionable judging decisions. These problems culminated in the IOC’s decision to remove boxing from the Olympic program for the 2028 Games unless significant changes were made.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized the committee’s desire to see boxing included in the Los Angeles Games but stressed the need for a new governing body to oversee the sport. “We would love to see boxing on the program in LA. Now it is up to the boxing community to organize themselves for the sport and for the athletes,” Adams stated.
In response to the IOC’s demands, a new organization called World Boxing was launched in 2023. This body aims to replace the IBA and currently has 37 member countries. However, it has yet to receive official recognition from the IOC. The creation of World Boxing is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the sport’s inclusion in future Olympic Games.
The friction between the IOC and the IBA has been highlighted by recent controversies, including disputes over gender eligibility. The IBA banned two female boxers, Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, citing gender ineligibility based on chromosome tests. The IOC, however, allowed both athletes to compete, stating they were women. This incident further strained relations between the two organizations and underscored the need for a new governing body.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams called for a new boxing federation following a disorganized IBA press conference. The IBA faced scrutiny over unclear eligibility tests and the controversial 2023 suspension of boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting. pic.twitter.com/35ZRSiEHwe
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The path to establishing a new global governing body for boxing is fraught with challenges. The new organization must gain the trust and support of the international boxing community, implement transparent governance practices, and ensure fair and unbiased judging. Additionally, it must address the financial issues that plagued the IBA and work towards restoring the sport’s credibility on the global stage.
Boxing has a long and storied history in the Olympic Games, dating back to its inclusion in the 1904 St. Louis Games. The sport has produced numerous legendary athletes and memorable moments, making it a staple of the Olympic program. The potential exclusion of boxing from the 2028 Games would be a significant loss for both the sport and the Olympics.
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