The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is actively seeking a new international governing body to oversee Olympic boxing, aiming to secure the sport's presence in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This search follows the exclusion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its organizing role in the Tokyo 2021 and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
In a significant move, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld the IOC's decision to de-recognize the IBA. This decision has been attributed to various criticisms directed at the IBA's leadership, particularly the use of threatening language, under the Russian administration. The IOC's commitment to preserving boxing as an Olympic sport has prompted an urgent call for a new, reliable International Federation to partner with by early 2025.
World Boxing Steps Into the Ring
In the wake of these developments, 'World Boxing', a nascent faction comprising members from 27 countries, has emerged as a contender to ensure boxing's Olympic future. Already, World Boxing has begun organizing tournaments, seizing the opportunity to establish itself as a viable successor to the IBA's former role. This initiative signals a proactive step towards mitigating the potential void left by the IBA's de-recognition.
Despite this, the IBA has signaled its intention to appeal the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling to the Swiss Supreme Court. The organization argues that its recent efforts at reform have been unjustly ignored, suggesting an uphill battle lies ahead in its quest for reinstatement.
The IOC's Stance
An IOC representative highlighted the broader significance of boxing within the Olympic framework: "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." However, the unresolved governance issues have placed boxing's Olympic future in jeopardy, particularly for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. "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," explained the IOC.
The situation's urgency is echoed by World Boxing, which has openly expressed concerns about the ticking clock. "This is an urgent situation and the clock is ticking," a representative stated, urging all stakeholders passionate about the sport and its future to rally around World Boxing. "We urge everyone that cares about boxers and the future of the sport to apply to join and support World Boxing in its efforts to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Movement, before it is too late," they added.
The Battle for Boxing's Future
The IBA's response to its de-recognition and the ensuing developments signal a complex battle over boxing's international governance and Olympic future. "The IBA feels that disregarding these and other improvements suggests a biased view," said a representative, emphasizing the organization's view that its attempts at reform have been unfairly overlooked.
The unfolding scenario presents a crucial juncture for Olympic boxing. As the IOC continues its quest for a reliable governing body to partner with, entities like World Boxing are stepping up, keen on shaping the future of the sport within the Olympic context. The coming months and years will be pivotal in determining whether boxing retains its esteemed spot in the Olympic Games or faces an uncertain future, propelled by issues of governance and leadership integrity.
The resolution of this dispute will not only affect the athletes and organizations directly involved but also boxing enthusiasts worldwide. As this situation evolves, the commitment of all parties to the betterment and inclusivity of the sport remains central to boxing's enduring legacy on the global stage.