The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the need to establish a new international boxing body by early next year to prevent the exclusion of boxing from the Los Angeles Games in 2028. This decision comes after the IOC stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its right to oversee the Olympic boxing tournaments in Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently upheld the IOC's ruling to de-recognize the IBA due to concerns regarding governance issues and the integrity of refereeing and judging in boxing matches. The IOC also cited instances of inappropriate behavior by the IBA's president towards IOC personnel.
Emphasizing the importance of boxing's universality and social inclusivity, the IOC expressed its desire to continue featuring boxing in the Olympic Games. However, the IOC highlighted the need for a recognized and reliable International Federation to partner with for organizing future Olympic boxing tournaments.
To ensure boxing's presence at the Los Angeles Games, the IOC has called upon national boxing bodies and Olympic committees to collaborate in establishing a new international governing body for boxing by early 2025.
While the IOC did not mention specific candidates, World Boxing emerged as a potential contender. World Boxing, a breakaway body supported by boxing officials from the United States and Britain, elected its own president and has already begun hosting tournaments with members from various nations and territories.
In response to the CAS ruling, the IBA is contemplating a potential appeal to the Swiss supreme court, arguing that the CAS decision failed to acknowledge the reforms implemented by the IBA. The IBA expressed disappointment in the perceived bias against their organization.
For more updates on the Olympic Games, visit AP Olympics.
