The future of Olympic boxing is in the balance for the Los Angeles Games 2028which has generated growing concern in the world of sports. After more than 100 years of Olympic history, this sport faces possible exclusion due to tensions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Boxing has been present since San Luis Games in 1904but now, the IOC has warned that it could stop being part of the summer event if the national federations do not create a new world body that complies with the regulations.
If this change is not achieved, boxing would be left out of the Olympic programming.
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However, social networks have been the scene of confusion on this issue. Enrique BurakTUDN narrator, clarified on his X account (formerly Twitter) that some reports were misinterpreted.
According to Burak, what the IOC actually pointed out in a letter dated September 30 was that boxers whose federations are affiliated with the International Boxing Association (IBA) They will not be able to compete in Los Angeles 2028.
This was in response to misinformation shared by his colleague Guillermo Schultzwho had stated that boxing was officially out of the Olympic program.
The conflict with the IBA is not new. In June 2023, the COI Withdrew recognition of this organization due to governance and financial issues, which led to boxing competitions at Paris 2024 being managed directly by the IOC. Now, the big question is whether boxing will find a new direction to remain on the Olympic stage.
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When will it be decided if boxing is part of Los Angeles 2028?
So far, no official statement has been issued by the IOC regarding the definitive exclusion of boxing in Los Angeles.
Although new efforts have already been formed to save sports participation, such as the creation of the organization World Boxingit has fewer members than the IBA and does not yet have the full support of the IOC. The final decision on boxing in Los Angeles is expected to be made in 2025.
Meanwhile, athletes and relevant boxing figures have expressed their concern. Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC)expressed his willingness to support any initiative that allows boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.
In addition, prominent figures such as boxer Óscar Valdez have emphasized how devastating it would be for athletes to see their Olympic dream disappear.
On the other hand, Gennady Golovkin, former world champion, has taken the leadership of World Boxing in the hope that this new entity can convince the IOC of its ability to organize boxing in the future.
