Boxing will not be Olympic anymore!

6:24:00 PM Tkd kwan 0 Comments

Boxing's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is uncertain, as it is not currently on the program and the International Olympic Committee has made it clear that the sport must find a new governing body by early 2025 to be reinstated. World Boxing, led by Albert Van Der Vorst, is aiming to become that governing body and save the sport.

The International Boxing Association (IBA), previously barred from the Olympics, made headlines in Paris by claiming that boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting failed eligibility tests at the world championships. Despite the controversy, both boxers went on to win gold medals. The IBA's president, Umar Kremlev, held a contentious news conference in Paris, where he criticized IOC president Thomas Bach but failed to provide evidence supporting the claims against the boxers.

Van Der Vorst, who was barred from running for the IBA presidency in 2022, remains focused on World Boxing's mission to keep boxing in the Olympic movement. He emphasized that the organization's goal is not to compete with the IBA, but to prioritize the well-being of the boxers and national federations.

In light of the controversy surrounding Khelif and Lin, World Boxing is working on establishing eligibility rules with the help of a medical committee. The organization is also organizing major tournaments and events while expanding its staff and developing a long-term plan to demonstrate its capability as the sport's governing body.

Despite the complexities surrounding the situation, Van Der Vorst is committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport. World Boxing is determined to gain approval from the IOC to oversee the next Olympic cycle and prove its ability to lead the sport forward. The organization's efforts to establish itself as a credible governing body for boxing are crucial for the sport's future in the Olympic Games.