The end of International Boxing Association in the Olympics: a blow to a storied tradition, but boxing lives on

The Olympics, the pinnacle of athletic excellence, have long been a stage for the world’s best athletes to compete and showcase their skills. Among the various sports, boxing has held a prominent place, captivating audiences with its intensity, skill, and rich history. However, recent developments have led to the disbanding of the IBA from the Olympic program. This decision, fueled by years-long disputes and defiance, has sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world, prompting both disappointment and a reevaluation of the sport’s future within the Olympic movement. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that boxing will continue as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games, offering a glimmer of hope for its future.

The International Boxing Association (IBA), the governing body for amateur boxing, had been under scrutiny for several years due to allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and judging controversies. These issues reached a boiling point during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where a series of questionable decisions raised serious doubts about the integrity of the sport. In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took a proactive stance to address the matter and protect the Olympic ideals.

In 2019, the IOC made the unprecedented decision to suspend AIBA’s recognition as the governing body for Olympic boxing. This move aimed to ensure fair and transparent competition, safeguard athlete welfare, and protect the credibility of the sport. The IOC established a Boxing Task Force (BTF) to oversee the boxing tournament at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and initiate reforms within the sport.

The long-standing dispute between the IOC and AIBA ultimately led to the derecognition of the International Boxing Association from the Olympic family. This outcome was a direct result of the AIBA’s defiance of advice and instructions from the IOC, including concerns regarding governance, financial backing, and in the integrity of bouts and judging.

Despite this blow, boxing has managed to retain its status as an Olympic sport at the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. The decision to keep boxing on the Olympic program reflects the IOC’s recognition of the sport’s inherent value and popularity among athletes and fans worldwide. It also underscores the IOC’s commitment to working towards resolving the issues that plagued the sport through the establishment of the BTF.

The exclusion of the International Boxing Association from the Olympic program offers an opportunity for the sport to reassess and rebuild its reputation. The IOC’s concerns regarding governance, financial transparency, and the integrity of the sport must be addressed. The future of boxing in the Olympics hinges on implementing comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of a new governing body that upholds the highest ethical standards and ensures fair judging and transparent practices.

The exclusion of IBA from the Olympic program represents a significant blow to the sport’s long-standing tradition and legacy. However, the decision to retain boxing as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games provides hope for the sport’s future. It is imperative that boxing seizes this opportunity to address the concerns raised by the IOC, rebuild trust, and reestablish itself as a sport that embodies the Olympic values of fairness, integrity, and excellence. By embracing reform and implementing robust measures, boxing can overcome this setback and once again shine on the world’s greatest sporting stage