August 06, (THEWILL) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed its desire to include boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. However, the sport’s participation hinges on the creation of a new global governing body, according to IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams.
The IOC removed recognition from the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023, due to concerns over governance and financial management. This decision led to boxing’s exclusion from the initial LA 2028 programme. Adams emphasised the need for the boxing community to organise itself to ensure the sport’s and athletes’ future in the Olympics.
A new organisation, World Boxing, launched in 2023 with 37 members. However, it has not yet received IOC recognition. The situation was further complicated by a recent IBA press conference in Paris, where IBA President, Umar Kremlev, criticised the IOC and its President, Thomas Bach.
The IOC and IBA have also clashed over the participation of two female boxers, Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-Ting from Taiwan, in the Paris Olympics. While the IBA banned them citing gender ineligibility, the IOC has permitted their participation, stating they are women.
Adams stressed the IOC’s inability to continue managing boxing competitions, as it did for Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024. He reiterated the urgent need for a new Federation to take charge of the sport, emphasising that the IOC is not equipped to fulfil this role long-term.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
