World Boxing has launched its first competition of the year in Brazil, just days after being provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The sport is now officially back on the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The World Boxing Cup is running in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil (March 31–April 5), with over 130 boxers from 19 countries. Athletes will earn ranking points across several events throughout the year.
World Boxing now has 89 member countries, up from 37 after the Paris 2024 Olympics. President Boris van der Vorst stressed the need for clear gender eligibility rules and transparency in judging. He also mentioned exploring AI to improve fairness.
The organisation aims to unify boxing globally and encourage more federations to join ahead of LA 2028. Van der Vorst said it’s crucial that boxers can compete in major events like the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
To join, national federations must follow a strict process, including proof of good governance, clean anti-doping policies, and recognition by their National Olympic Committee or sports ministry.
Boxing was temporarily left out of the LA 2028 programme due to issues with the International Boxing Association (IBA), which was expelled by the IOC in 2023 over governance and finance concerns. World Boxing was formed shortly after and is now seen as the sport’s new global governing body.
