The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is on a quest for new oversight for Olympic boxing, aiming to ensure its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This comes after a significant shake-up within the boxing world, as the International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of its role due to governance issues surrounding the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the forthcoming Paris Olympic Games.
IOC Decision and CAS Confirmation
In a decisive move, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld the IOC's action to de-recognize the IBA, signifying a pivotal moment for the future of Olympic boxing. The IOC's grievances with the IBA, particularly its criticism of the IBA's Russian leadership for employing threatening language, have escalated to a point where the search for a new governing body has become imperative.
Finding a New Partner
The IOC is now in pursuit of a trustworthy International Federation to partner with, setting an ambitious target to establish this collaboration by early 2025. This is a critical step, not just for the continuation of boxing in the Olympics, but for maintaining the structural integrity that governs Olympic sports. "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," explained an IOC representative, highlighting the sport's global appeal and the inclusivity it promotes.
However, realizing this goal presents challenges. "Unfortunately, this is far from certain for the Olympic Games LA 2028 because, for governance reasons, the IOC is not in a position to organize another Olympic boxing tournament. 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 stated, emphasizing the urgency of resolving governance issues to preserve boxing's Olympic legacy.
Emergence of World Boxing
In response to this urgent need, a new faction named World Boxing has emerged, rallying members from 27 countries. This organization has begun hosting tournaments, signaling its intention to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure boxing's continued presence in the Olympics. "This is an urgent situation, and the clock is ticking," remarked a spokesperson for World Boxing, urging stakeholders to join forces with the new body to secure boxing's future within the Olympic Movement.
The IBA, on the other hand, remains defiant, considering an appeal against the CAS ruling to the Swiss Supreme Court. It argues that its recent endeavors to reform have been unduly overlooked. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," the association contended, hinting at a perceived unfairness in the treatment it has received.
Conclusion
As the international boxing community navigates this period of significant upheaval and transition, the objective remains clear: to ensure that boxing retains its esteemed place in the Olympic program. The IOC, with its steadfast commitment to inclusivity and universality in sports, seeks to partner with a governing body that mirrors these principles. As both World Boxing and potentially other entities vie for this critical role, the future of Olympic boxing hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that will sustain its legacy and continue to inspire athletes and fans around the world.