After a tense and uncertain period, boxing has been reinstated as part of the official Olympic program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. The sport had faced suspension due to serious issues with its former governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA), which was accused of corruption, financial mismanagement, and match-fixing. This led to widespread disillusionment in the boxing community and threatened to remove one of the Olympics’ most historic and beloved sports.
The IOC’s decision to reinstate boxing followed extensive governance reforms and the creation of a new international governing body known as World Boxing. This body has pledged to prioritize transparency, integrity, and the welfare of athletes. Under the new structure, federations will have to meet strict ethical and governance standards in order to participate in Olympic competition.
For LA 2028, the boxing events are expected to draw large crowds, with the U.S. and other leading boxing nations eager to showcase rising talent. Qualification tournaments will begin as early as 2026, with a renewed focus on fair play and unbiased judging panels. Olympic officials believe that the successful reinstatement of boxing will not only restore faith in the sport but also create new opportunities for youth athletes in underserved communities around the world.