The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is presently engaged in a critical quest to secure a new governing body for Olympic boxing, with the aim of ensuring the sport's presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This move comes after the International Boxing Association (IBA) was excluded from its role in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and will also not be involved in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has recently upheld the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA, a significant ruling that underscores the tensions and complexities plaguing Olympic boxing governance. The heart of the controversy appears to stem from the IOC's growing dissatisfaction with the IBA's Russian leadership, particularly concerning the use of threatening language.
Despite the adversities facing the sport, the IOC remains committed to keeping boxing on the Olympic program. Boxing is celebrated for its universal appeal and high social inclusivity, qualities that the IOC deeply values. In pursuit of this goal, the IOC is actively seeking a new International Federation to partner with by early 2025—a partner that can uphold the governance standards required for Olympic sports.
In the face of these challenges, a new faction known as World Boxing, which comprises members from 27 countries, has emerged. This group has already begun hosting tournaments and is fervently working to secure boxing's status in the Olympics. World Boxing's urgency is palpable, as they strive to rally support for boxing to remain a cornerstone of the Olympic Movement.
However, the IBA is not stepping back quietly. In light of the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling, the IBA is considering an appeal to the Swiss supreme court. The organization believes its efforts at reforming and improving governance have been unjustly overlooked, indicating a potentially protracted dispute ahead.
### IOC's Commitment to Boxing
An IOC representative emphasized 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 statement reflects the IOC's recognition of boxing's unique contribution to the Olympic spirit and its determination to surmount the current governance hurdles.
However, the IOC candidly acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting, "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." Ensuring boxing's place in future Olympics hinges on establishing a partnership with a recognized and reliable International Federation, a task the IOC is urgently undertaking.
### World Boxing's Call to Action
World Boxing, seizing the opportunity to shape the future of Olympic boxing, has voiced the immediacy of the situation, stating, "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking." The organization is appealing to all who care about boxers and the sport's future to support their efforts, emphasizing the critical window of time available to ensure boxing’s continuity in the Olympic program.
### IBA's Stand
In contrast, the IBA is staunch in its defense, arguing that its recent reform efforts have been unfairly dismissed. The organization's conviction that the decision reflects a biased viewpoint underscores the existing disagreements and highlights the complexities of navigating the governance of Olympic sports.
As the IOC searches for a new governing body, the future of Olympic boxing hangs in balance. The developments in the coming months will significantly influence whether boxing retains its esteemed position in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and beyond. Stakeholders involved are facing a decisive moment that will shape the legacy and governance of Olympic boxing for years to come.
