Boxing, a sport steeped in Olympic tradition, may have taken a significant step towards securing its place at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games following remarks by IOC presidential candidate, Prince Faisal, during a media interaction at the Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday.
The sport’s inclusion in future Olympic programmes has been under threat since the International Boxing Association (IBA) lost its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in April 2023 due to governance concerns. However, as the IOC organised boxing for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, the future remains uncertain without a sustainable governing body for the LA28 Games.
Prince Faisal, a 61-year-old Jordanian and prominent candidate for the IOC presidency, expressed his hopes for the sport’s inclusion, stating that a resolution must be found to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympic movement. “I hope by that point in time, that an alternative solution might exist,” he remarked. “Boxing is one of the oldest and original Olympic sports. I just hope we can find a global federation that can take on that responsibility of providing boxing at LA28. I would love to see it there.”
A major factor in the sport’s potential reinstatement is the rise of World Boxing, a new international federation emerging as a rival to the IBA. According to Prince Faisal, the federation has met the necessary requirements to govern amateur boxing and safeguard its Olympic future. Meanwhile, World Boxing Council (WBC) President, Mauricio Sulaiman, confirmed that World Boxing is gaining traction and support among key nations and has positioned itself as the organisation capable of meeting IOC standards.
“The great news is that World Boxing already has the necessary countries’ affiliation to be officially recognised as the body in charge of carrying out the activity of our sport so that it remains in the Olympic Games,” Sulaiman stated. “We will continue to work unconditionally to support World Boxing, and we are confident that boxing will return to its glorious era, where the Olympics will generate stars and inspire global audiences once again.”
However, the IBA remains defiant. Formerly known as the Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), the organisation is fighting to maintain control of amateur boxing amid its deteriorating relationship with the IOC. In an open letter, IBA’s CEO Chris Roberts and President Umar Kremlev appealed directly to former United States President Donald Trump for assistance in reshaping the IOC’s governance structure.
“The IOC and its current leadership have, unfortunately, led the Olympic movement towards a decline through their short-sighted actions and poor governance,” the letter stated. “It would be greatly appreciated if your team could address this situation. With the upcoming IOC leadership renewal in March, we expect the organisation to undergo restructuring and revitalisation, which will allow for fair conditions and a prosperous future for athletes.”
Boxing’s historical significance in the United States adds to the pressure for its reinstatement. LA28 CEO Casey Wasserman expressed optimism, acknowledging the sport’s deep cultural and social impact. “The history of boxing in America and the Olympics is really powerful and important,” Wasserman told reporters in Paris. “It’s a sport that offers opportunities to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, which makes it a valuable inclusion.”
Despite this, Wasserman admitted that no venue has been secured for the sport as of now. “Our 36 sports are locked. If boxing is involved, it will be 37. If not, it will remain 36,” he said. “The agreement we have with boxing is that if they solve their federation issues, then they will be added to the programme.”
Wasserman underscored the unique nature of the situation. “Boxing is the only sport receiving this special treatment due to its complicated governance situation. We’d love to see it on the programme given its history and cultural significance, but the final decision rests with the IOC and its members.”
As the IOC presidential race heats up, many hope that the combination of leadership changes, support for World Boxing, and sustained dialogue between the involved parties will ensure that boxing makes its return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles. Until then, the world will be watching and waiting.
