Boxing will be a part of the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the sport has been since 1920, though it will be placed “on hold” for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Last Week, IOC president Thomas Bach, shared with reporters that “(The IOC) want(s) boxing on the program. We have no problem, with boxing or boxers — we have a problem with the governing body.” This comes after the International Boxing Association (IBA) lost its recognition by the IOC’s executive board enabled by concerns over the IBA’s officiating at events, their finances, and governance.
With the IBA currently appealing that decision, and no governing body on hand for the 2028 games, the sport has subsequently been placed on hold by the IOC. Chairman for LA 2028, Casey Wasserman, shared insight into the matter.
“Boxing has a great history in the Olympics, has a great history in America as a lineage of boxing champions. So we’d love to see boxing on the program,” Wasserman said.
“But obviously it’s a decision that’s going to be taken by the IOC’s membership, given the complexities that exist with the federation. We’re hopeful, but all we can do is wait for the answer.”
These are tough times for amateurs of the sport. Historically, many great fighters have established themselves as household names through amateur competition at the Olympics, from Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), Oscar De La Hoya, and Andre Ward.