World Boxing on the Brink: Can the Breakaway Governing Body Reunite with the IOC and Keep the Sport in the Olympics?

In recent years, the International Boxing Association (IBA) has been removed from the Olympic movement due to various disputes with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As a result, World Boxing, a breakaway governing body, is currently in talks with 25 to 30 prospective new member nations in hopes of becoming the preferred partner of the IOC for running boxing tournaments at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Since its decision to end IBA’s Olympic affiliation was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on April 2, there has been a significant increase in interest from nations to join World Boxing. Currently, World Boxing has 27 full members including countries like the United States, England, Germany, and the Philippines. However, it lacks diversity in terms of geographical representation.

Toulson mentioned that there is a strong likelihood of new members joining from Africa and Asia. With potential membership numbers nearly doubling once prospective members are included, these continents may significantly increase World Boxing’s geographical representation. The IOC is currently organizing the Paris Olympic boxing events on its own this year but has made it clear that they cannot continue to do so indefinitely without a new partner governing body in place by early next year. If no new partner is found soon, boxing may be excluded from the Olympic program entirely.