The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is in the process of identifying a new governing body for Olympic boxing, with the goal of ensuring the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This move comes after the International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of its role in not only the Tokyo 2021 but also the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has validated the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA, confirming the action taken. The IOC has voiced concerns over the IBA's Russian leadership, particularly criticizing its use of threatening language, which prompted the need for a new partnership.
With an unwavering commitment to keep boxing as part of the Olympics, the IOC is urgently seeking a credible International Federation to take up the mantle by early 2025. In light of this, a new faction known as World Boxing has emerged, drawing membership from 27 countries and beginning to host tournaments in a bid to secure boxing's Olympic future.
However, the IBA is not stepping down without a fight. It is considering an appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling to the Swiss supreme court, citing recent reform efforts that it believes have been unfairly ignored.
The Value of Olympic Boxing
An IOC representative emphasized the significance of boxing in the Olympic forum, 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 underscores boxing’s widespread appeal and the inclusivity it brings to the Olympics, making its presence at the games a priority for the IOC.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the IOC's desire to keep boxing in the games, challenges lie ahead. The committee’s statement highlighted the urgency of the situation: "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 has seized this moment of uncertainty as a call to action, expressing the gravity of the situation: "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking." They have also issued a rallying cry for support, urging stakeholders to act swiftly to save Olympic boxing. "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 from World Boxing stated.
IBA’s Defense
Meanwhile, the IBA has taken a defensive stance, arguing that its recent reforms and improvements have been unjustly overlooked. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," stated a spokesperson from the IBA, indicating a belief that there is more to the story than has been acknowledged.
The future of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance as these organizations navigate a complex situation. The IOC's search for a new governing body underscores a broader effort to ensure that boxing maintains its place within the Olympic fold, driven by the sport's significant cultural and social value. As World Boxing endeavors to build a new path forward for the sport, and the IBA fights to redeem its position, the outcome of these efforts will have lasting implications for athletes and fans alike. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the looming deadline, the clock is indeed ticking for one of the most storied sports in Olympic history.