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21 Mar 2025, Fri

Boxing secures spot in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after unanimous IOC decision

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Boxing has been officially confirmed as part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program. The announcement came on Thursday during the 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Costa Navarino, Greece, with a unanimous vote from all 109 participating members. Karl Stoss, president of the Olympic Program Commission, delivered the news, ending years of uncertainty for a sport that has been a staple of the Olympics since 1904. The decision formalized a recommendation made by the IOC Executive Committee earlier that week, ensuring the sport’s continuity after facing significant challenges in recent Olympic cycles due to scandals and administrative disputes.

The recent history of Olympic boxing has been turbulent. The International Boxing Association (IBA), once the sport’s governing body, lost its IOC recognition in 2023 following allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and ethical breaches. This forced the IOC to take direct control of the tournaments in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, relying on task forces to manage the competitions. Now, with the rise of World Boxing, provisionally recognized by the IOC in February 2024 as the new international federation, the sport enters a revitalized phase with a stronger foundation to remain part of the Olympic movement.

The significance of boxing in the Games is undeniable. In Paris 2024, it stood out as the most diverse sport in terms of podium finishes, with 32 of the 68 competing national Olympic committees securing medals across 13 categories. Among the highlights, Brazil clinched a bronze with Beatriz Ferreira in the women’s 60kg division, reinforcing the country’s tradition in the sport. The IOC’s decision not only preserves this legacy but also paves the way for boxing’s global growth under renewed leadership.

Path to confirmation in Los Angeles

World Boxing takes charge and earns IOC trust

The journey to secure boxing’s place in Los Angeles 2028 involved a major overhaul. After the IBA’s ban, World Boxing emerged in 2023 as an alternative spearheaded by dissenting federations, aiming to restore the sport’s credibility. In under two years, the organization grew to include 84 affiliated national federations, such as the Brazilian Boxing Confederation, and forged key partnerships, including membership in the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS). This rapid expansion was crucial in earning provisional IOC recognition in February 2024.

Boris van der Vorst, president of World Boxing, hailed the decision as a historic milestone. He underscored the organization’s commitment to serving as a reliable IOC partner, adhering to the Olympic Charter’s values, and fostering boxing’s development at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions. World Boxing has also introduced measures like a Code of Ethics, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and a multi-year commercial agreement ensuring financial stability through 2028, meeting the IOC’s demands for transparency and sustainability.

A sport with global reach

Featured in Paris 2024 under direct IOC oversight, boxing showcased its worldwide appeal. Of the athletes who stepped into the ring, 62% belonged to federations aligned with World Boxing, and 58% of the medals went to competitors linked to the organization. Additionally, the sport drew over 200 million viewers globally during the Games, highlighting its commercial and cultural impact. Nations like Uzbekistan, which topped the medal table with five golds, and Brazil, with its bronze, exemplify the strength and diversity of boxing.

History and challenges overcome

From IBA crisis to a new era in Olympic boxing

Boxing faced its deepest crisis starting in 2019, when the IOC suspended the IBA over governance issues and financial irregularities. The situation worsened in 2023 with the IBA’s permanent exclusion, then led by Russian Umar Kremlev and heavily funded by Gazprom. Allegations of result manipulation and lack of transparency eroded trust in the body, prompting the IOC to step in directly for Tokyo and Paris. Despite these setbacks, the sport retained its prominence, with stars like Beatriz Ferreira and Cuba’s Julio César de La Cruz shining in the ring.

With World Boxing’s establishment, the landscape shifted. The new federation swiftly built a global presence, gaining representation across all five continents and organizing four continental confederations. The inclusion of nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Guatemala, alongside support from traditional boxing powerhouses, bolstered its standing. In November 2024, World Boxing held its inaugural under-19 championship and announced the final stage of the World Cup in Sheffield, England, featuring over 120 boxers from 20 countries, demonstrating its organizational prowess.

Boxing calendar leading to 2028

Preparations for Los Angeles 2028 are already underway. World Boxing has outlined a robust schedule for the coming years to solidify its position and ensure athlete qualification. Here are the key upcoming dates:

  • September 2025: First Elite World Championship in Liverpool, England, bringing together the planet’s top boxers.
  • 2027: Start of continental and world qualifiers to determine Los Angeles 2028 competitors.
  • July 2028: Medal contests at the Olympic Games, with preliminary and final rounds at venues yet to be announced.

This timeline reflects the organization’s dedication to keeping boxing competitive and inclusive, emphasizing gender equality and the development of emerging talent.

Impact for Brazil and the sport’s future

Brazil’s Olympic boxing legacy

Brazil boasts a rich history in Olympic boxing, with nine medals since 1968, when Servílio de Oliveira won bronze in Mexico City. In recent cycles, the sport has become a reliable medal source, highlighted by Robson Conceição’s gold in Rio 2016 and Beatriz Ferreira’s bronze in Paris 2024. The Brazilian Boxing Confederation, now affiliated with World Boxing, sees the IOC’s decision as a chance to strengthen its foundation and aim for more podium finishes in 2028.

Athletes like Keno Marley, who moved up a weight class after Tokyo 2020, and Jucielen Romeu, a gold medalist at the 2023 Pan American Games, are emerging as prospects for the next cycle. The structure provided by World Boxing, with regular competitions and technical support, could enhance Brazil’s odds of success in Los Angeles, keeping the nation among the sport’s competitive countries.

What to expect from boxing in Los Angeles 2028

Boxing’s confirmation for 2028 brings relief to athletes, federations, and fans. Unlike Paris 2024, where the IOC managed the tournament directly, World Boxing will oversee the qualifiers and Olympic competition under IOC supervision. The organization already represents most elite competitors, ensuring continuity and technical quality. The sport will maintain 13 categories, balancing seven men’s and six women’s divisions, aligning with the IOC’s push for gender parity.

For Brazilian fans, expectations are high. Boxing, which has delivered iconic moments like Esquiva Falcão’s silver in London 2012 and Hebert Conceição’s gold in Tokyo 2020, has the potential to shine again. The blend of tradition, rising stars, and revitalized international governance suggests the sport is poised for a bright future in the Olympic ring.



Boxing has been officially confirmed as part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program. The announcement came on Thursday during the 144th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Costa Navarino, Greece, with a unanimous vote from all 109 participating members. Karl Stoss, president of the Olympic Program Commission, delivered the news, ending years of uncertainty for a sport that has been a staple of the Olympics since 1904. The decision formalized a recommendation made by the IOC Executive Committee earlier that week, ensuring the sport’s continuity after facing significant challenges in recent Olympic cycles due to scandals and administrative disputes.

The recent history of Olympic boxing has been turbulent. The International Boxing Association (IBA), once the sport’s governing body, lost its IOC recognition in 2023 following allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and ethical breaches. This forced the IOC to take direct control of the tournaments in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, relying on task forces to manage the competitions. Now, with the rise of World Boxing, provisionally recognized by the IOC in February 2024 as the new international federation, the sport enters a revitalized phase with a stronger foundation to remain part of the Olympic movement.

The significance of boxing in the Games is undeniable. In Paris 2024, it stood out as the most diverse sport in terms of podium finishes, with 32 of the 68 competing national Olympic committees securing medals across 13 categories. Among the highlights, Brazil clinched a bronze with Beatriz Ferreira in the women’s 60kg division, reinforcing the country’s tradition in the sport. The IOC’s decision not only preserves this legacy but also paves the way for boxing’s global growth under renewed leadership.

Path to confirmation in Los Angeles

World Boxing takes charge and earns IOC trust

The journey to secure boxing’s place in Los Angeles 2028 involved a major overhaul. After the IBA’s ban, World Boxing emerged in 2023 as an alternative spearheaded by dissenting federations, aiming to restore the sport’s credibility. In under two years, the organization grew to include 84 affiliated national federations, such as the Brazilian Boxing Confederation, and forged key partnerships, including membership in the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS). This rapid expansion was crucial in earning provisional IOC recognition in February 2024.

Boris van der Vorst, president of World Boxing, hailed the decision as a historic milestone. He underscored the organization’s commitment to serving as a reliable IOC partner, adhering to the Olympic Charter’s values, and fostering boxing’s development at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions. World Boxing has also introduced measures like a Code of Ethics, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and a multi-year commercial agreement ensuring financial stability through 2028, meeting the IOC’s demands for transparency and sustainability.

A sport with global reach

Featured in Paris 2024 under direct IOC oversight, boxing showcased its worldwide appeal. Of the athletes who stepped into the ring, 62% belonged to federations aligned with World Boxing, and 58% of the medals went to competitors linked to the organization. Additionally, the sport drew over 200 million viewers globally during the Games, highlighting its commercial and cultural impact. Nations like Uzbekistan, which topped the medal table with five golds, and Brazil, with its bronze, exemplify the strength and diversity of boxing.

History and challenges overcome

From IBA crisis to a new era in Olympic boxing

Boxing faced its deepest crisis starting in 2019, when the IOC suspended the IBA over governance issues and financial irregularities. The situation worsened in 2023 with the IBA’s permanent exclusion, then led by Russian Umar Kremlev and heavily funded by Gazprom. Allegations of result manipulation and lack of transparency eroded trust in the body, prompting the IOC to step in directly for Tokyo and Paris. Despite these setbacks, the sport retained its prominence, with stars like Beatriz Ferreira and Cuba’s Julio César de La Cruz shining in the ring.

With World Boxing’s establishment, the landscape shifted. The new federation swiftly built a global presence, gaining representation across all five continents and organizing four continental confederations. The inclusion of nations like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Guatemala, alongside support from traditional boxing powerhouses, bolstered its standing. In November 2024, World Boxing held its inaugural under-19 championship and announced the final stage of the World Cup in Sheffield, England, featuring over 120 boxers from 20 countries, demonstrating its organizational prowess.

Boxing calendar leading to 2028

Preparations for Los Angeles 2028 are already underway. World Boxing has outlined a robust schedule for the coming years to solidify its position and ensure athlete qualification. Here are the key upcoming dates:

  • September 2025: First Elite World Championship in Liverpool, England, bringing together the planet’s top boxers.
  • 2027: Start of continental and world qualifiers to determine Los Angeles 2028 competitors.
  • July 2028: Medal contests at the Olympic Games, with preliminary and final rounds at venues yet to be announced.

This timeline reflects the organization’s dedication to keeping boxing competitive and inclusive, emphasizing gender equality and the development of emerging talent.

Impact for Brazil and the sport’s future

Brazil’s Olympic boxing legacy

Brazil boasts a rich history in Olympic boxing, with nine medals since 1968, when Servílio de Oliveira won bronze in Mexico City. In recent cycles, the sport has become a reliable medal source, highlighted by Robson Conceição’s gold in Rio 2016 and Beatriz Ferreira’s bronze in Paris 2024. The Brazilian Boxing Confederation, now affiliated with World Boxing, sees the IOC’s decision as a chance to strengthen its foundation and aim for more podium finishes in 2028.

Athletes like Keno Marley, who moved up a weight class after Tokyo 2020, and Jucielen Romeu, a gold medalist at the 2023 Pan American Games, are emerging as prospects for the next cycle. The structure provided by World Boxing, with regular competitions and technical support, could enhance Brazil’s odds of success in Los Angeles, keeping the nation among the sport’s competitive countries.

What to expect from boxing in Los Angeles 2028

Boxing’s confirmation for 2028 brings relief to athletes, federations, and fans. Unlike Paris 2024, where the IOC managed the tournament directly, World Boxing will oversee the qualifiers and Olympic competition under IOC supervision. The organization already represents most elite competitors, ensuring continuity and technical quality. The sport will maintain 13 categories, balancing seven men’s and six women’s divisions, aligning with the IOC’s push for gender parity.

For Brazilian fans, expectations are high. Boxing, which has delivered iconic moments like Esquiva Falcão’s silver in London 2012 and Hebert Conceição’s gold in Tokyo 2020, has the potential to shine again. The blend of tradition, rising stars, and revitalized international governance suggests the sport is poised for a bright future in the Olympic ring.



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