The future of Olympic Boxing hangs by a thread as the sport faces its most
significant challenge in over a century. As we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic
Games, there’s a palpable sense of foreboding in the air. After more than 120 years
of intense competition, Olympic Boxing might be facing its final round.

With the
decision on whether the sport will be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
expected in 2025, this could very well be the last time we witness boxing on the
Olympic stage.

Boxing has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1904, making it one of the
oldest sports in the modern Olympic era. Over the decades, it has seen legends rise,
controversies unfold, and countless memories etched into the annals of sports
history.

However, the sport’s future is now in jeopardy, not because of declining
popularity or interest, but due to governance issues that have plagued its

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken drastic measures in recent
years to address the issues surrounding boxing’s governance. In 2022, the IOC
stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition.

This
unprecedented move was in response to the IBA’s failure to implement necessary
reforms in governance and financial management. The situation has left Olympic
Boxing in a precarious position, with the Paris 2024 Games being organized directly
by the IOC, a situation that is far from ideal.

As we inch closer to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, there is a growing concern that
this might be the last time we see boxing at the Olympics.

The IOC has made it clear
that the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is not guaranteed. In a
recent statement, IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the urgency of the
situation, stating, “In the next year, as soon as possible. But we cannot wait longer
than the end of next year.” This remark highlights the ticking clock for boxing’s fate

The decision to exclude boxing from the LA 2028 Olympics would be a devastating
blow to the sport. Olympic Boxing has been a showcase of global talent, providing
a platform for athletes from diverse backgrounds to compete at the highest level.

It
has also been a springboard for many professional boxing careers, with legends like
Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard first making their mark in
the Olympics. The potential absence of boxing from the Olympics would not only
be a loss for the sport but for the entire Olympic movement.

In the wake of the IBA’s fall from grace, a new organization, World Boxing, was
established in 2023. With 37 member nations, this fledgling body aims to fill the
void left by the IBA and establish itself as the new global governing authority for
boxing.

However, despite its growing membership, World Boxing has yet to gain
the recognition of the IOC, a crucial step if it hopes to secure the sport’s place in
future Olympic Games.

The IOC’s hesitation to recognize World Boxing stems from the need for a stable,
transparent, and effective governing body that can manage the sport’s complex
and often contentious landscape.

The creation of World Boxing represents a
positive step forward, but it remains to be seen whether it can address the
deep-seated issues that led to the IBA’s downfall.

The IOC has made it clear that the future of Olympic Boxing rests not just with
World Boxing, but with the national federations themselves.

The onus is on these
federations to support the establishment of a new global boxing authority that
meets the IOC’s stringent standards. Failure to do so could result in boxing being
left out of the Olympic program for the first time in over a century.

This is a critical moment for national boxing federations around the world. They
must come together, set aside differences, and work collaboratively to ensure the
sport’s survival in the Olympic context. The IOC’s call to action is not just a warning;
it’s a final opportunity for the boxing community to take control of its destiny.

If the worst were to happen and boxing is excluded from the LA 2028 Olympics, the
ramifications would be far-reaching. For athletes, the Olympics represent the
pinnacle of achievement, a dream that many have dedicated their lives to. The loss
of this platform would be a crushing blow, particularly for amateur boxers who may
never have the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage again.

Moreover, the absence of boxing from the Olympics would have a ripple effect
throughout the sport. Olympic Boxing has historically been a key driver of interest
and participation at the grassroots level. Without the Olympic spotlight, the sport
could struggle to attract new talent and maintain its relevance in an increasingly
crowded sports landscape.

The potential loss of Olympic Boxing would also be a significant cultural loss. The
sport has been a part of the Olympic fabric for so long that its absence would leave
a void that could be difficult to fill. The Olympics have always been about more than
just sports; they are about tradition, history, and the shared experiences that unite
people around the world. Boxing has played a vital role in that narrative, and its
exclusion would mark the end of an era.

As we approach what could be the final rounds of Olympic Boxing, the message is
clear: the sport’s future is in jeopardy, and the time to act is now. The IOC has given
the boxing community a deadline, and it is up to national federations, athletes, and
stakeholders to come together and secure the sport’s place in the Olympic Games.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games may well be a bittersweet occasion for boxing fans,
filled with the excitement of competition but overshadowed by the uncertainty of
what lies ahead. Whether this is truly the end of Olympic Boxing or just another
round in its long and storied history remains to be seen. But one thing is certain:
the fight to save Olympic Boxing is far from over. The clock is ticking, and the world
is watching.