The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that boxing will be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, following years of disputes over the sport’s governance.
IOC President Thomas Bach announced that the executive board has endorsed boxing’s inclusion in the upcoming Olympic program. The decision now awaits approval from the full IOC Session, a step that is largely procedural and expected to pass without issue.
Since 2019, the IOC has overseen Olympic boxing events independently after it suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to concerns over governance, finances, and match integrity. However, with the emergence of World Boxing, a new governing body, the path has been cleared for boxing’s reinstatement.
“I am very confident that the session will approve it, giving boxers worldwide certainty about their participation in the Olympic Games LA 2028, provided their national federation is aligned with World Boxing,” Bach stated.
Restructuring Boxing’s Olympic Future
The IOC officially cut ties with the IBA in 2023, following long-standing conflicts, particularly over governance and athlete eligibility rules. As a response, World Boxing was established by various national federations, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and China.
With over 80 national federations now backing World Boxing, many countries are transitioning away from the IBA. However, Russia, Spain, and several African nations have yet to make the switch. The IOC indicated that federations will be given time to align with World Boxing before Olympic qualification begins, likely in 2025.
“This is a major milestone for Olympic boxing and an essential step toward full reinstatement,” said World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst. “I believe this decision will be welcomed by the global boxing community, as the sport’s Olympic future remains critical to its development.”
With the LA 2028 tournament now secured, World Boxing is expected to implement new eligibility guidelines, particularly for women’s boxing, before qualification events commence.
