Boxing nears recognition for 2028 LA Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a significant step toward ensuring boxing's presence at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics by granting provisional recognition to a new governing body, World Boxing. This organization was established in 2023 as a breakaway from the controversial International Boxing Association (IBA), which the IOC suspended due to governance and financial issues. World Boxing has demonstrated that a majority of boxers from the last Olympics are affiliated with its members, which was crucial for the IOC's decision. Former boxing champion Gennady Golovkin, now leading World Boxing, emphasized the importance of this recognition while acknowledging that further efforts are needed to secure boxing's Olympic future. The IOC has previously organized boxing tournaments independently due to the IBA's suspension, indicating the urgency for a reliable governing body. World Boxing aims to meet the IOC's standards, but notable countries like Ireland and China have yet to join its ranks.