In a decisive move that could reshape the future of Olympic boxing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is actively seeking a new governing body to ensure the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This development follows the removal of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from overseeing the sport during the Tokyo 2021 and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The rift between the IOC and IBA deepened further when the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA. Critical issues leading to this outcome include the IBA's leadership and governance practices, particularly under its Russian leadership, which the IOC accused of employing threatening language against athletes and officials.
Despite the tension and controversies, the IOC remains committed to keeping boxing as part of the Olympic Games, citing the sport's universal appeal and high social inclusivity. However, this commitment hinges on finding a reliable International Federation to partner with by early 2025, a deadline that underscores the urgency and significance of this matter.
Emergence of World Boxing
In light of these developments, World Boxing, a new body composed of members from 27 nations, has stepped up. It has commenced hosting tournaments in a bid to secure boxing's status in the Olympic movement. This new faction represents a potential pivot for Olympic boxing, aiming to establish itself as a credible and recognized international federation capable of governing the sport at the Olympic level.
However, the IBA is not going quietly into the night. Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling, the association is considering an appeal to the Swiss supreme court. It argues that recent reform efforts and improvements have been unjustly overlooked, indicating a troubled and complex dispute over the governance and future direction of Olympic boxing.
Quotes That Matter
An IOC representative highlighted the significance of boxing in the Olympic Games, stating, "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." This sentiment is echoed in the broader goals of the IOC, which seeks to preserve the integrity and diversity of the Olympic Games.
The IOC has made it clear that the partnership with a reliable International Federation is crucial for boxing's continuation in the Olympics, explaining, "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."
World Boxing voiced the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking." The organization is making a call to action, urging stakeholders to support its efforts to ensure boxing remains a central part of the Olympic Movement. "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," a representative said.
On the other hand, the IBA has expressed its frustration over what it perceives as disregard for its efforts to reform. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," stated the association. This reflects the IBA's determination to challenge the IOC's decisions and fight for its role in the boxing world.
The struggle for control and governance of Olympic boxing unfolds against a backdrop of complex organizational politics and international intrigue. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, the fate of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcome of this contentious battle between the IOC, IBA, and the emerging World Boxing faction. The broader boxing community, including athletes, coaches, and fans, anxiously awaits a resolution that will preserve the sport's storied Olympic legacy while ensuring its governance is in line with the Olympic values of fairness, inclusivity, and integrity.