Can boxing return to the program of the 2028 Olympics?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board has recommended reinstating boxing in the program for the Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028. This decision comes after the establishment of a new international governing body for boxing – the World Boxing organization. This was reported by The Independent.

Previously, boxing had not been officially included in the Los Angeles Olympics program. This situation arose due to a series of controversies surrounding the International Boxing Association (IBA), as well as issues related to gender verification.

The IBA, led by Russia, was forced to suspend its activities in 2019 due to problems in governance, finance, and ethics. In June 2023, the IBA was officially stripped of its status as an international sports governing body by the IOC due to shortcomings in implementing reforms.

Since then, the creation of a new governing body for boxing has become a key issue on the agenda. The recently established World Boxing organization consists of representatives from 78 countries and was temporarily recognized by the IOC last month.

The IOC's Executive Board is now expected to vote on the official inclusion of boxing in the Los Angeles Olympics. If this decision is supported during the voting process, boxing will regain its place in the program for the 2028 Olympics.

This decision is being viewed by the international sports community as an important positive step for the future of the sport of boxing.