World Boxing has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to be included in the 2028 Olympics by receiving provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This development is crucial, especially since boxing is currently excluded from the Los Angeles 2028 programme.

The Journey to Recognition

Boxing's place in the Olympics has been under scrutiny after the IOC suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2019 due to issues related to governance, finance, refereeing, and ethics. The Russian-led IBA was later stripped of its status in June 2023 for failing to implement necessary reforms.

World Boxing, established in April 2023, has quickly grown to include 78 members across five continents. The IOC's provisional recognition is a testament to World Boxing's commitment to integrity, governance, and global representation.

What This Means for the Future

Boris van der Vorst, president of World Boxing, emphasized the importance of this step: "Keeping its place at the Olympic Games is absolutely critical to the future of our sport at every level." He added that while this is an important milestone, there is still much work to be done to ensure boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement.

Challenges Ahead

The path to full recognition is not without challenges. The IOC has set stringent criteria, including the need for World Boxing to maintain governance structures, ensure transparency, and comply with anti-doping regulations. Additionally, the sport must continue to build a diverse and inclusive membership.

Recent Controversies

A significant point of contention during Paris 2024 was the participation of two female boxers, Algeria's Imane Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting. The IBA had banned them following a chromosome test, but the IOC allowed them to compete, and both emerged as gold medalists in their respective weight classes.

The Road Ahead

As World Boxing continues to push for full recognition, the focus remains on strengthening the sport's global foundation. The provisional recognition is a step in the right direction, but the fight to secure boxing's Olympic future is far from over.

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