Islamabad, Mar 21 2025: Boxing will be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, following a unanimous vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This much-important decision comes after years of uncertainty about the future of the sport in the Games, signaling a positive step forward.
The IOC had previously granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in a significant move toward securing the sport’s place in the upcoming Olympics.
The boxing event for the Paris 2024 Olympics will be directly managed by the IOC, as the International Boxing Association (IBA) lost its recognition in 2023 due to unresolved governance and financial issues.
The inclusion of boxing in LA 2028 had initially been left off the program, with the IOC encouraging national boxing federations to form a new governing body.
In 2023, World Boxing was established with over 80 national federations and has since worked tirelessly to meet the IOC’s standards.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed gratitude for the decision, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the upcoming boxing tournament.
Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, hailed the move as a historic moment for the sport.
He acknowledged the collective effort of national federations, boxers, coaches, and officials who contributed to this achievement.
As part of the agreement, only athletes whose national federations are members of World Boxing by the time of the qualification events will be eligible to compete in LA.
The IOC’s decision marks the end of boxing’s uncertain Olympic status, providing a fresh chapter for the sports.
