In a significant development for the sport, World Boxing has been granted provisional recognition as the international governing federation for boxing by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This move represents a major step towards boxing's reinstatement in the Olympic Games, potentially paving the way for its inclusion at Los Angeles 2028.
Boxing's future in the Olympics was uncertain after the IOC removed the International Boxing Association (IBA) as the sport's governing body in 2019 due to concerns over governance, finance, refereeing, and ethical issues. The Russian-led IBA was officially stripped of its Olympic status in June 2023.
World Boxing, formed in April 2023, emerged as a new global governing body with a focus on transparency and good governance. It has rapidly gained support, boasting 78 members across five continents, including Great Britain.
The IOC's decision to grant provisional recognition to World Boxing signals confidence in the new organization's ability to address the issues that plagued the IBA. The IOC highlighted World Boxing's progress in key areas, including its growing membership, independent oversight, good governance structures, financial transparency, and commitment to anti-doping measures.
While boxing is not currently on the program for LA28, this provisional recognition is a crucial step towards its potential inclusion. The IOC will continue to monitor World Boxing's progress, and a final decision on boxing's Olympic future is expected in the coming months. This development offers hope for boxers and fans worldwide who are eager to see the sport return to the Olympic stage.
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