IOC: Boxing Must Establish New Global Body to Compete in LA Olympics.

Boxing Paris Olympics 2024

Posted 3 months ago

IOC: Boxing Must Establish New Global Body to Compete in LA Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee is eager to include boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 Games but first requires the formation of a new global governing body for the sport, according to their statement on Tuesday.

Last year, the IOC removed its recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to its failure to implement necessary reforms in governance and finance. As a result, boxing has not yet been added to the program for the LA 2028 Games.

The IOC’s decision underscores the need for significant changes before the sport can return to the Olympic stage.

"We're eager to see boxing included in the LA Games," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said at a press conference. "Now it's up to the boxing community to organize itself for the sport and its athletes."

A new body, World Boxing, was established in 2023 with 37 members but is not yet IOC-recognized.

This statement followed a chaotic IBA press conference in Paris, where IBA President Umar Kremlev delivered a disjointed speech attacking IOC President Thomas Bach, criticizing the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, and defending his efforts against corruption.