The chairman of the World Boxing 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 Los Angeles Olympics in Los Angeles, and that World Boxing has taken control of the future of the sport in the Olympic movement. It was a long, ugly fight behind the scenes, but eventually the sport landed a knockout where it was important.
World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst did not hold back what this moment means:
“It’s a wonderful day for boxers, boxing and everyone related to our sport at every level, around the world.”
Finally, some sense prevailed. Boxers stared at the top in the course of their Olympic platform thanks to years of incompetence. Now they have clarity.
“This result was achieved by a massive team effort from people around the world – boxers, coaches, officials and boxing leaders – who refused to set aside our sport,” Van der Vorst added. “We understand that it is a privilege to be part of the Olympics, not a right.”
Translation? The sport was dragged through the mud, but boxing survived because people fought for it.
Olympic legends the decision back
No one understands the Olympic boxing dream better than those who lived it. Gennadiy Golovkin, a former Olympic silver medalist, became the world champion, was crystal clear about what it means:
‘This is the result of focused attempts to keep boxing in the Olympics alive. The games are not just about competition – it’s about hope, excellence and to prove what you were made of. ‘
Then there is Vladimir Klitschko, who won Olympic gold in Atlanta before dominating heavyweight boxing. He did not cover it sugar:
“This is absolutely fantastic news. Winning Olympic gold was one of the biggest highlights of my career, and I would hate to see that the opportunity was taken away from future generations. Losing box from the Olympics would have been a disaster for the sport.”
Disaster occurs. Klitschko summed it up best – it was a long, hard fight, but boxing fought back on the Olympic stage.
Boxers finally have a way forward
For today’s fighters, this means that 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 about the Olympic future of our sport was difficult, but this decision means everything to the athletes. It’s not just about medals – it’s about giving fighters of all backgrounds a platform to showcase their talent.”
And to those who moved into the pro ranks, but still keep the Olympics close to their heart, the decision means even more. Lauren Price, Tokyo 2020 gold medalist and current WBC, WBA, IBO and the world champion for the welterweight, know firsthand how important the Olympics are:
“Taking part in the Olympics was always my dream, and nothing I achieved in my professional career will ever be gold in Tokyo 2020. Boxing for LA28 keeps the dream alive for the next generation.”
Richard Torrez Jr., who won silver for Team USA in Tokyo, agreed and said:
‘It is a true will that the Olympics are better with box than without. It will inspire generations of fighters to chase gold. ‘
World Boxing’s battle is not over
While boxing is locked for LA28, the struggle for fair judgment, transparency and proper management is still raging. World Box has provisionally recognized through the IOC, which means they are now offering the show – but they have a point to prove.
Golovkin made it clear:
“We have a great responsibility. Step by step we have worked to preserve the rich history of Boxing in the Olympics, and now we must ensure integrity, equity and the best system for our fighters. ‘
World Boxing CEO Paul Bhatti knows it’s not just about keeping the sport in the Olympics:
“It’s not just about recovering a legendary Olympic event – it’s about boxing boxing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.”
Box win – now it’s time to deliver
Boxing is back in the Olympics, but the sport cannot afford a disaster on LA28 again. It’s time to clean up the corruption, give fighters a good shot and make sure the Olympics remain the pinnacle of amateur box.
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
