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Boxing will be featured among the combat sports in the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, confirmed the information this Monday. The executive committee of the IOC approved the inclusion of boxing in the upcoming Olympic event, although the official decision will be ratified at the meeting to be held from March 19 to 21 in Costa Navarino, Greece.
"All boxers in the world can be assured that they will be able to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles," Bach stated at a press conference.
The road to this approval has not been easy. The International Boxing Association (IBA) was suspended in 2019 by the IOC due to internal issues and cases of corruption.
In response, World Boxing was created in 2023, receiving provisional recognition in February of this year. The new entity already has 78 national federations and has shown that more than 60% of boxers and Olympic medalists are affiliated with its ranks.
The president of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst, described this moment as crucial for the future of Olympic boxing. "It is a huge step towards our return to the Olympic program. We thank the IOC Executive Committee for their trust," he stated.
This advancement comes after a period of great uncertainty. In October 2024, the IOC announced that boxing would not be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a decision that was a major blow to countries like Cuba, which has a rich tradition and numerous medals in this sport.
The exclusion was due to the prolonged dispute between the IOC and the IBA, as well as issues of governance and corruption.
The change in stance and the likely ratification in the coming days could provide boxing the opportunity to be included in the 2028 Olympic Games, restoring hope to thousands of athletes and national federations like that of Cuba, which has played a significant role in Olympic history thanks to this sport.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Return of Boxing to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games
Will boxing be present at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games?
Yes, boxing will be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved its inclusion, after resolving previous disputes that led to its temporary exclusion.
Why had boxing been excluded from the 2028 Olympic Games?
Boxing was initially excluded due to governance issues and corruption within the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA's suspension by the IOC in 2019 marked the beginning of this exclusion.
What changes allowed boxing to return to the Olympic Games?
The establishment of World Boxing in 2023, which received provisional recognition from the IOC, was crucial for the return of boxing. This new organization has achieved the affiliation of over 60% of boxers and Olympic medalists, demonstrating a new structure and governance.
How does this decision affect countries with a boxing tradition like Cuba?
The inclusion of boxing in Los Angeles 2028 is an opportunity for countries like Cuba, which have a rich tradition in this sport. This decision restores hope for Cuban athletes to compete and win medals in an Olympic event where they have historically been successful.
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