Boxing’s long-standing presence in the Olympic Games faces an uncertain future after the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games now in jeopardy. A recent gender eligibility scandal has exacerbated existing concerns, casting a shadow over boxing’s Olympic standing.
Century-Old Tradition at risk
Since its debut at the 1904 Olympics, with the exception of the 1912 Games, boxing has been a mainstay of the Olympic programme. The sport has produced legends such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Lennox Lewis. During the Paris Games, boxing continued to draw large crowds, showcasing the sport’s enduring popularity.
However, the future of boxing at the Olympics has become increasingly uncertain. Even before the Paris Games, concerns were mounting, and the recent gender dispute has only added to the scrutiny facing the sport.
Gender row sparks controversy at Paris Olympics
The controversy erupted in Paris when a dispute over gender eligibility surfaced, bringing boxing into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. British boxing journalist Steve Bunce described the situation as “an absolute disaster” at a critical time when the sport’s future is under review by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Former British boxer Spencer Oliver echoed Bunce’s concerns, stating that the controversy has once again brought unwanted attention to boxing. “It’s just a mess because boxing comes into the spotlight again,” Oliver told AFP. “But it’s for the wrong reason.”
The IOC Ultimatum and Time Running out
At the heart of boxing’s troubles is a long-standing feud between the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) and the IOC. The IOC had already sidelined the IBA, taking over the organisation of boxing at the Tokyo 2021 Games. IOC President Thomas Bach has warned national boxing federations that they must find a “reliable” international partner if the sport is to be included in the 2028 Olympics.
Bach announced that a decision regarding boxing’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Games will be made in the first half of 2025, leaving the sport with limited time to resolve its issues.
Scandal at Paris 2024
The IBA’s attempt to defend its actions in Paris only deepened the controversy. During a chaotic press conference, IBA President Umar Kremlev, an oligarch with ties to the Kremlin, defended the exclusion of Algeria’s Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from last year’s world championships, citing “genetic testing that shows that these are men.”
Despite the IOC clearing the athletes to compete, concerns over the IBA’s testing methods persisted. Following her gold medal win, Khelif asserted, “I am a woman like any other,” while Lin also secured gold in her weight class. Both athletes, supported by their respective countries, have hinted at potential legal action against the IBA.
Potential Impact of Olympic Exclusion
The possibility of boxing being excluded from the Olympics has far-reaching implications. Irish boxer Kellie Harrington, who reclaimed her title in Paris, expressed fears that without the Olympics, countries might reduce funding for their boxing programmes. “That would be a crying shame,” Harrington told The Sun. “I think everybody needs to do a little bit more to keep it there.”
Spencer Oliver highlighted how the Olympics have been a launchpad for numerous British boxers, including former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. “The Olympics made Joshua,” Oliver said, noting that the Games provide recognition and opportunities for boxers, potentially transforming their lives.
Hopeful Future amid uncertainty for Boxing
Despite the turmoil, Oliver remains optimistic that boxing will remain part of the Olympic programme. “I think the Olympics without boxing would be a shame. It would be very, very sad,” he said. “So I’m hoping that they can sort out all the politics that go on behind the scenes, and boxing continues. I’m sure it will do.”
As the clock ticks towards 2025, the boxing world faces a critical battle to secure its place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The stakes are high, and the outcome will shape the future of the sport on the world’s biggest stage.
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