The International Olympic Committee is in talks with 25 to 30 potential new member nations for the World Boxing governing body, hoping to become their preferred partner for organizing boxing tournaments at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This move comes after the International Boxing Association was expelled from the Olympic movement due to financial issues, ties to Russia, and concerns about biased judging.
World Boxing’s secretary-general, Simon Toulson, stated that there has been a significant increase in interest since the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the decision to end the IBA’s Olympic affiliation. Currently, World Boxing has 27 full members, including countries like the United States, England, Germany, and the Philippines. However, Nigeria represents Africa and only two nations represent Asia. To align with the IOC’s goals of having nearly double-digit representation from each continent, World Boxing aims to increase its membership from Africa and Asia.
The IOC is currently managing Paris Olympic boxing events this year but has made it clear that they cannot continue doing so indefinitely without a new governing body partner in place by early next year. There is a risk that boxing may be excluded from the 2028 Olympic program if no new partner is found soon. World Boxing is positioning itself to address these concerns by expanding its membership and reaching out to potential new member nations.
In conclusion, World Boxing is working towards becoming the IOC’s preferred partner for organizing boxing tournaments at the 2028 Los Angeles Games by increasing its membership from Africa and Asia. With financial issues and ties to Russia behind its expulsion from the Olympic movement and biased judging as a concern for future events; it aims to reach out to potential new member nations in hopes of securing its place as an official governing body at future Olympics.
