The Chair of World Boxing’s Olympic Commission, Gennadiy Golovkin: The IOC decision to include boxing in the Los Angeles Olympics is a long-awaited result of the focused efforts and work of World Boxing and our entire Olympic Commission”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed that boxing will remain part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and World Boxing has taken control of the sport’s future in the Olympic movement. It’s been a long, ugly fight behind the scenes, but at last, the sport has landed a knockout punch where it matters.
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst didn’t hold back on what this moment means:
“This is a great day for boxers, boxing, and everyone connected with our sport at every level, across the world.”
Finally, some sense has prevailed. Boxers were staring down the barrel of losing their Olympic platform thanks to years of incompetence at the top. Now, they’ve got clarity.
“This outcome has been achieved by a massive team effort from people across the world—boxers, coaches, officials, and boxing leaders—who refused to let our sport be cast aside,” van der Vorst added. “We understand that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege, not a right.”
Translation? The sport’s been dragged through the mud, but boxing has survived because people fought for it.
Olympic Legends Back the Decision
Nobody understands the Olympic boxing dream better than those who’ve lived it. Gennadiy Golovkin, a former Olympic silver medallist turned world champion, was crystal clear on what this means:
“This is the result of focused efforts to keep boxing alive in the Olympics. The Games aren’t just about competition—they’re about hope, excellence, and proving what you’re made of.”
Then there’s Wladimir Klitschko, who won Olympic gold in Atlanta before dominating heavyweight boxing. He didn’t sugarcoat it:
“This is absolutely fantastic news. Winning Olympic gold was one of the biggest highlights of my career, and I would hate to see that opportunity taken away from future generations. Losing boxing from the Olympics would have been a disaster for the sport.”
Disaster averted. Klitschko summed it up best—it’s been a long, hard battle, but boxing has fought its way back onto the Olympic stage.
Boxers Finally Have a Path Forward
For today’s fighters, this means the dream is still alive. Just ask Cindy Ngamba, who became the first refugee to win an Olympic medal when she took bronze in Paris 2024:
“The uncertainty around our sport’s Olympic future has been tough, but this decision means everything to the athletes. It’s not just about medals—it’s about giving fighters from all backgrounds a platform to showcase their talent.”
And for those who’ve moved into the pro ranks but still hold the Olympics close to their heart, the decision means even more. Lauren Price, Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and current WBC, WBA, IBO, and The Ring welterweight world champion, knows firsthand how important the Olympics are:
“Competing at the Olympic Games was always my dream, and nothing I achieve in my professional career will ever top winning gold at Tokyo 2020. Restoring boxing for LA28 keeps that dream alive for the next generation.”
Richard Torrez Jr, who won silver for Team USA in Tokyo, agreed, saying:
“This is a true testament that the Olympics are better with boxing than without. This will inspire generations of fighters to chase gold.”
World Boxing’s Fight Isn’t Over
While boxing is locked in for LA28, the battle for fair judging, transparency, and proper governance is still raging. World Boxing has been given provisional recognition by the IOC, meaning they now run the show—but they’ve got a point to prove.
Golovkin made it clear:
“We have a huge responsibility. Step by step, we worked to preserve boxing’s rich history in the Olympic Games, and now we need to ensure integrity, fairness, and the best system for our fighters.”
Paul Bhatti, CEO of World Boxing, knows this isn’t just about keeping the sport in the Olympics:
“This isn’t just about restoring a legendary Olympic event—it’s about ensuring boxing remains a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.”
Boxing Wins – Now It’s Time to Deliver
Boxing is back in the Olympics, but the sport can’t afford another disaster at LA28. It’s time to clean up the corruption, give fighters a fair shot, and make sure the Olympic Games remain the pinnacle of amateur boxing.
As Klitschko put it, “Boxing belongs in the Olympics. Period.”
Now, World Boxing needs to make sure it stays there—for good.
Last Updated on 03/20/2025
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