The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is actively searching for a new governing body to oversee Olympic boxing with the goal of ensuring the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This development follows the IOC's removal of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its role in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the forthcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Confirmation by Court of Arbitration for Sport
The IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This move comes in the wake of criticisms directed at the IBA's Russian leadership, particularly concerning the use of threatening language. The de-recognition signifies a critical moment for the future of Olympic boxing, throwing the sport into a state of uncertainty.
Search for a New Federation
In response to the situation, the IOC has expressed a strong desire to maintain boxing as part of the Olympic Games. To achieve this, the committee is on the lookout for a reliable International Federation to collaborate with. The aim is to secure such a partnership by early 2025, highlighting the urgency and importance of the matter.
Amid these developments, World Boxing, a new organization comprising members from 27 countries, has risen to the challenge. This nascent body has begun hosting tournaments and is actively seeking recognition to preserve boxing's Olympic status.
IBA's Response
Meanwhile, the IBA is contemplating an appeal against the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport to the Swiss supreme court. The association maintains that its recent efforts at reform have been unfairly disregarded. These reformative measures were implemented in a bid to address the concerns raised by the IOC and to ensure the association's compliance with the expected standards of governance.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
Reflecting on the current state of affairs, an IOC representative articulated the committee's viewpoint, "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."
However, the continued inclusion of boxing remains uncertain for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to governance issues that prevent the IOC from organizing another Olympic boxing tournament on its own. "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 further explained.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, World Boxing underscored the urgency, stating, "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking." The organization also called upon all stakeholders who care about boxers and the future of the sport to support their efforts to ensure boxing retains its place within the Olympic Movement.
In defense of its position and reforms, the IBA lamented, "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view."
Conclusion
The ongoing saga surrounding the governance of Olympic boxing underscores the challenges faced by the sport in maintaining its prestigious position within the Games. As the search for a new governing body continues, the fate of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics hangs in the balance.
Stakeholders from across the world of boxing, including athletes, coaches, and fans, are keenly watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that will allow the sport to thrive and continue its storied tradition within the Olympic Movement. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether boxing will indeed secure its place in the 2028 Games and beyond.
