Uncertainty in Olympic boxing: the future at Los Angeles 2028 at stake.

The future of boxing in the Olympic Games remains uncertain, with attention focused on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision regarding the inclusion of this discipline in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach announced that the resolution will be made in 2025, leaving the boxing community in anticipation and a state of tension. The situation is further complicated by recent controversies surrounding women's boxing, where a disagreement has emerged between the IOC and the International Boxing Association (IBA). During the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the disagreement between both organizations became evident with the case of boxers Imane Khelif from Algeria and Lin Yu-ting from Taiwan. The IBA excluded them from competition due to a chromosomal test that, according to the association, deemed them ineligible. However, the IOC intervened and allowed both athletes to compete, asserting that they are women. This discord highlights the existing tensions between the IOC and the IBA, which have been apparent since the IOC suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance and ethics issues. The IOC has decided to organize boxing at the Paris 2024 Games, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that the discipline is conducted in a controlled and regulated environment. However, the situation becomes more complex when considering the future of boxing in Los Angeles 2028. Bach has emphasized the need for national boxing federations to work towards creating a new global body that can be recognized by the IOC to prevent boxing from being excluded from the upcoming Olympic Games. In a context of uncertainty, the newly formed organization World Boxing presents itself as an alternative. Although it currently has only 37 members, its lack of recognition by the IOC raises doubts about its viability as a successor to the IBA. This new organization, which seeks to establish a different path for international boxing, could be key to the future of the sport at the Olympic level, but it still faces significant challenges. Since the suspension of the IBA, the IOC has highlighted the importance of implementing reforms in governance and finance. However, the IBA's reluctance to adapt to these demands has led to the current legitimacy crisis. Issues of arbitration and lack of transparency have been critical points that the IOC has flagged as unacceptable for moving forward with boxing's inclusion in the Olympic program. The outlook for female boxers is also uncertain. With the possibility of boxing being excluded from the Olympic Games, athletes find themselves in a precarious situation, as their opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in sports is threatened. The IOC has attempted to mediate in this situation, but the lack of a clear consensus among the parties is concerning for athletes who dream of representing their countries in Los Angeles. The IOC's decision will be crucial not only for boxing but also for the future of combat sports in general. The current uncertainty presents an important dilemma: Is boxing willing to adapt and evolve to meet Olympic requirements, or does it risk losing its status in the Olympic program? The answer to this question could define not only the immediate future of boxing but also the direction that other combat sports will take. As the deadline for the decision approaches, the pressure on boxing federations and the IBA intensifies. Opportunities for dialogue and collaboration are essential if a solution that benefits all involved is to be found. The voices of athletes, coaches, and fans must be heard to ensure that boxing not only survives but thrives in the Olympic arena. As 2025 approaches, the parties must work together to resolve differences and reach an agreement that guarantees boxing's inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Time is running out, and the future of boxing on the Olympic stage hangs by a thread, while the hopes of thousands of boxers around the world remain at stake.