The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently in pursuit of a new governing body for boxing, aiming to safeguard 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 managing the boxing events for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and will continue to be sidelined for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The IBA's ousting was underscored by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s confirmation of the IOC's decision to de-recognize the association. Central to the IOC's concerns were criticisms directed towards the IBA's Russian leadership, which has been accused of deploying threatening language. These developments underscore a tumultuous period for Olympic boxing, casting shadows over its future in the Olympic Games.
Search for a New Federation
Amid these challenges, the IOC underscores its commitment to retaining boxing within the Olympic program, primarily due to the sport's widespread appeal and its capacity to foster social inclusivity. To achieve this, the IOC is on the lookout for a recognized and dependable International Federation to take over the reins and collaborate closely with, ensuring boxing's Olympic status is preserved. The goal is to establish a new partnership by early 2025, paving the way for boxing's seamless continuation in the Olympics.
A ray of hope has emerged in the form of World Boxing, a nascent faction that has already begun to make its presence felt on the international stage. Comprising members from 27 countries, World Boxing has initiated hosting tournaments and is vehemently working towards securing boxing's place in future Olympic Games.
Legal Battles and Reform Efforts
In response to its de-recognition, the IBA is weighing the option of appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling to the Swiss supreme court. The association contends that its recent reform efforts have been unjustly overlooked. These efforts, according to the IBA, signify a genuine attempt to address the criticisms and adjust according to the standards expected by the IOC and other stakeholders in the sports world.
Voices from the Fray
The situation has elicited a range of comments from the involved parties. A representative from the IOC highlighted the unique position boxing holds, given its wide accessibility and appeal. "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," the representative noted.
The IOC further elucidated on the current predicament boxing faces concerning the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The absence of a credible International Federation to organize the Olympic boxing tournaments has placed the sport's Olympic future in jeopardy. "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," the IOC stated.
On the other hand, World Boxing has sounded the alarm on the urgency of the situation. "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking," the organization remarked, urging stakeholders to rally behind its cause. "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," World Boxing added.
The IBA, not willing to go down without a fight, expressed its disappointment over the perceived oversight of its reform efforts. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggest a biased view," the association responded.
Looking Ahead
As the clock ticks towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the fate of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance. The coming months and years will be critical in determining whether boxing can retain its cherished spot in the Olympic program. With legal battles looming and the search for a new governing body underway, stakeholders are hopeful for a resolution that upholds the integrity and future of Olympic boxing.
