In a groundbreaking move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), boxing has achieved recognition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics through the endorsement of a new governing body for the sport. This pivotal decision marks a significant step in the effort to secure boxing’s place in the prestigious games, following a period of instability and controversy surrounding the sport’s administration.
The IOC board granted provisional recognition to World Boxing, a newly formed organization that emerged in 2023 as a breakaway from the embattled International Boxing Association (IBA). Comprised of a substantial number of former IBA members, World Boxing has quickly garnered support and credibility within the boxing community. Notably, the IOC revealed that 62% of boxers who participated in the Paris Olympics last year were affiliated with World Boxing, underscoring the body’s growing influence and representation at the elite level.
Former boxing legend Gennady Golovkin, who leads the commission responsible for establishing World Boxing as a reputable entity for overseeing Olympic competitions, hailed the IOC’s decision as a momentous achievement. Golovkin emphasized the importance of this milestone while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that lie ahead in solidifying boxing’s presence at the Olympic Games. “Receiving provisional Olympic recognition from the IOC is an important achievement and demonstrates that our sport is on the right path,” Golovkin remarked in a statement. “This decision brings us one step closer to our main goal – preserving boxing at the Olympic Games.”
The road to IOC recognition for World Boxing was paved with obstacles stemming from the long-standing disputes and controversies that plagued the IBA. Following issues related to governance, financial mismanagement, and concerns over bout integrity and judging, the IOC suspended the IBA in 2019. This suspension culminated in the expulsion of the IBA from the Olympic movement in 2023, shortly after World Boxing’s emergence as a viable alternative.
As the IOC sought a new partner to oversee boxing tournaments at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the significance of appointing a credible and trustworthy governing body became paramount. The IOC had taken on the responsibility of organizing boxing events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Paris Games in 2024, but the need for a permanent solution for boxing’s governance became apparent.
The bitter feud between the IBA and the IOC, particularly regarding the eligibility rules for women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics, underscored the deep-rooted issues that plagued the sport’s administration. The IBA, led by its Russian president Umar Kremlev, continued to clash with the IOC, with allegations of wrongdoing and legal threats looming over the contentious relationship. In a bold move, the IBA announced plans to file criminal complaints against the IOC in the United States, France, and Switzerland, signaling a protracted battle for recognition and authority within the boxing world.
