The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is actively seeking a new International Federation to oversee Olympic boxing, aiming to secure the sport's position in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This move comes in the wake of the IOC's decision to remove the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its governing role for the boxing events at both the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently upheld the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA, a decision that has sparked significant controversies and discussions within the boxing community. This development raises concerns about the future of boxing on the Olympic program, prompting the IOC to look for a reliable partner to manage the sport for future games. Criticism from the IOC towards the IBA's leadership, particularly pointing out the use of threatening language by its Russian leaders, has further fueled the urgency to find a solution.
### The Search for a New Governing Body
In light of the situation, the IOC is committed to ensuring that boxing remains a part of the Olympic Games due to its universal appeal and high social inclusivity. "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," an IOC representative highlighted. However, the organization faces significant challenges in making this vision a reality, chiefly finding a recognized and reliable International Federation to partner with by early 2025.
This quest for a new governing body comes amid uncertainty around boxing's inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics. "Unfortunately, this is far from certain for the Olympic Games LA 2028 because, for governance reasons, the IOC is not in a position to organize another Olympic boxing tournament. To keep boxing on the Olympic program, the IOC needs a recognized and reliable International Federation as a partner, as with all the other Olympic sports," the IOC stated.
### World Boxing Steps Up
In the wake of these developments, World Boxing, a new faction composed of members from 27 countries, has emerged as a potential contender for the role. This group has already started hosting tournaments and is diligently working to secure boxing's Olympic future. "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking," declared a spokesperson from World Boxing, underscoring the critical need for action to preserve the sport's Olympic status.
The group is also calling for support from the global boxing community, advocating for unity and commitment to ensure that boxing maintains its revered position within the Olympic Movement. "We urge everyone that cares about boxers and the future of the sport 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," echoed the World Boxing statement.
### IBA's Stance
On the other side, the IBA is considering appealing the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling to the Swiss supreme court, holding onto hope of reinstating its governing status. The organization has pointed to recent reform efforts, which it believes have been unfairly overlooked. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," stated the IBA, expressing frustration at the perceived lack of recognition for its attempts to address the issues raised by the IOC.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance. The IOC's active search for a new governing body by early 2025 is a testament to its commitment to preserving the sport's legacy. Meanwhile, the emergence of World Boxing as a potential steward offers hope for a resolution that aligns with the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. However, with the IBA's possible legal challenges and the ongoing need for reforms, the path to ensuring boxing's place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remains complex and uncertain.
