The sport of boxing has been placed “on hold” for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, according to the International Olympic Committee [IOC].
Boxing, which has been a part of the Olympics since 1920, will still be a part of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Just last week, IOC president Thomas Bach, told reporters that he wanted boxing to remain in the Olympics.
“We want boxing on the program. We have no problem, with boxing or boxers — we have a problem with the governing body,” Bach said to AFP.
Back in June, the International Boxing Association [IBA] – which oversaw amateur boxing in the Olympics – lost their recognition by the IOC’s executive board. There were concerns over the IBA’s officiating at events, their finances and governance.
The IBA is currently appealing that decision.
On Monday in Mumbai, during an IOC session, a vote took place with respect to the program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Because the IBA is still on the shelf, and no other governing body has been recognized for Olympic boxing, the sport has been placed on hold, for the moment, when it comes to the 2028 Games.
“Any decision regarding the inclusion of boxing on the LA28 sports program is put on hold,” the IOC expressed in a statement.
LA 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, explained that he wants to see boxing remain in the Olympics, but ultimately that decision will be made by the IOC.
“Boxing has a great history in the Olympics, has a great history in America as a lineage of boxing champions. So we’d love to see boxing on the program,” Wasserman said.
“But obviously it’s a decision that’s going to be taken by the IOC’s membership, given the complexities that exist with the federation. We’re hopeful, but all we can do is wait for the answer.”
Credit: Boxing Scene