Boxing officially confirmed for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Boxing has secured its place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after receiving unanimous approval from International Olympic Committee (IOC) members on Thursday. This decision marks the end of a long-standing governance dispute and ensures the sport's continued presence on the Olympic stage.

A key step in boxing’s reinstatement was the IOC Executive Board’s recognition of World Boxing as the sport’s official governing body on Monday. This move resolves years of uncertainty over boxing's oversight, following the IOC’s decision to sever ties with the Russian-led International Boxing Association due to financial, governance, and ethical concerns.

IOC President Thomas Bach had previously emphasized the need for boxing federations to align with a "reliable" international governing body to maintain the sport’s Olympic status. The IOC provisionally recognized World Boxing last month, and Thursday’s vote officially confirmed its role.

World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst expressed gratitude, stating, “We are deeply thankful to the IOC for their trust. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, transparency, and sporting integrity to ensure boxing’s bright future in the Olympics.”

The decision was met with enthusiasm from former Olympic champions. Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, hailed the announcement: “This is fantastic news. Winning Olympic gold was a defining moment in my career, and it would have been devastating for future generations to lose that opportunity. The Olympic Games are vital to boxing at all levels.”

The approval of boxing for the 2028 Games is among the final major decisions under Thomas Bach’s leadership, as his 12-year tenure as IOC President nears its end. His successor will be elected later on Thursday, with leading candidates including IOC veteran Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, and former Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe.