The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is actively seeking a new governing body for Olympic boxing, aiming to ensure the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This initiative comes amid the backdrop of the International Boxing Association's (IBA) removal from overseeing the sport in both the Tokyo 2021 and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The decision reflects the IOC's dissatisfaction with the IBA, particularly criticism aimed at its Russian leadership, which the IOC accuses of employing threatening language. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld the IOC’s decision to de-recognize the IBA, a move that the boxing body is considering challenging in the Swiss supreme court.
Search for a New Governing Body
With the assertion that boxing must remain a part of the Olympic Games due to its universal appeal and high social inclusivity, the IOC is in the process of identifying a credible International Federation to take the reins. The goal is to finalize this partnership by early 2025, emphasizing the urgency for boxing's continued inclusion in the Olympics.
Emerging amidst this turbulent backdrop is World Boxing, a newfound faction comprising members from 27 countries, now stepping up to fill the void. This organization has already begun hosting tournaments, demonstrating its commitment to securing boxing's future within the Olympic framework.
The IBA's Response
In light of these developments, the IBA is contemplating an appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling. The organization argues that its recent efforts at reform — aimed at addressing governance issues that have long plagued its operations — are being unjustly ignored. The IBA insists that it has made significant improvements and suggests that the current disregard for these efforts points to a biased perspective.
Voices from the Boxing Community
Representatives from the IOC and World Boxing have voiced their concerns and aspirations for the sport's Olympic future. An IOC spokesperson highlighted boxing's importance, 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." They further lamented the uncertainty surrounding boxing's status for the Los Angeles 2028 games, stressing the need for a reliable International Federation to partner within other Olympic sports.
World Boxing, on the other hand, is pressing the urgency of the situation. The organization's statements convey a sense of immediacy, urging those passionate about boxing and its Olympic legacy to support its cause. "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking," expressed a representative from World Boxing, who also encouraged stakeholders "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."
Conclusion
The future of Olympic boxing is at a pivotal juncture, with the IOC decisively moving away from the IBA and exploring new partnerships to keep the sport in the Olympic family. As World Boxing emerges as a potential successor, the global boxing community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that safeguards the future of the sport they cherish. Despite the challenges and controversies that currently envelop the sport, the universal appeal and intrinsic value of Olympic boxing remain undisputed. Stakeholders across the spectrum are thus called upon to ensure its preservation and continued success on the world's biggest sporting stage.