Olympic boxing, one of the most traditional disciplines in the Olympic Games, has been officially confirmed as part of the Los Angeles 2028 program, after months of uncertainty due to governance issues. The decision was taken unanimously by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its session held on March 21, 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Boxing’s inclusion had been in doubt since the IOC suspended the recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023 for poor administrative practices, refereeing problems and lack of financial transparency. This body no longer had the authority to organize Olympic tournaments, which put boxing’s presence in the next edition of the Games at risk.
A new face
The solution came in February 2025, when the IOC granted provisional recognition to World Boxing.
It is a new international federation created by national federations such as the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
It aims to preserve the integrity of boxing as an Olympic discipline.
This endorsement paved the way for boxing to rejoin the Olympic program under a transparent and democratic structure.
The decision was taken unanimously by the International Olympic Committee
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World Boxing will organize the qualifying tournaments for LA 2028, and countries that join this new federation will be able to compete in the event.
However, some nations, such as Spain, still remain loyal to the IBA, hoping that the situation will change, although their participation will depend on future decisions.
A symbolic closing
Buzzy
The confirmation of Olympic boxing in Los Angeles 2028 marked one of Thomas Bach’s last acts as IOC president.
He officially left this position on the same day after twelve years at the helm.
During his tenure, Bach faced numerous challenges, including the pandemic, corruption scandals and technological changes in event broadcasting.
The IOC is now preparing to elect his successor.
Among the candidates are Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. (Spain), David Lappartient (France) and Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe).
The new president will take on the responsibility of consolidating the Olympic course in an era dominated by streaming, climate change and geopolitical tensions.
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