BOXING IS AGAIN IN DANGER OF BEING EXCLUDED FROM THE 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 06 Sep 2018
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) is again in danger of being phased out from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as the boxing bouts in the recently concluded Jakarta Asian Games were blemished by controversies.
Two North Korean coaches were removed by police and ousted from the Games after their lady fighter lost a disputed split decision to a Chinese. Coach Pak Chol Jun refused to leave the ring and instigated boxer Pang Chol Mi to remain behind in protest against the verdict after Chang Yuan won the gold via a 3-2 split decision. Another coach, Pak Il Nam, got into an angry tumult outside the ring as he incited the crowd to ridicule the decision.
"We are going to change the culture in AIBA," said executive director Tom Virgets.
During the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, Indian lightweight boxer Laishram Sarita Devire lost a very controversial semi-final bout against eventual silver medalist Park Jina of South Korea. In protest, Devire at first took her bronze medal but placed it around Park's neck during the awarding ceremony.
Also in Incheon, Mongolian boxer Nyambayaryn T?gstsogt lost another controversial decision against South Korean Ham Sang-myeong in the bantamweight category. Nyambayar remained in the ring for 5 minutes, protesting the verdict as the referees and judges were booed by the crowd.
Virgets admitted that AIBA has some issues on the competence of its referees and judges. He said that their incumbent president Gafur Rakhimov is very committed in improving the training procedure of the AIBA officials.
Amid several disagreements at AIBA, Taiwanese president CK Wu was ousted and replaced by Rakhimov of Uzbekistan as interim president. He instituted internal reforms at AIBA and submitted it to the IOC, but Bach said "the report shows some progress and goodwill but still lacks execution and substance in some areas."
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) sectetary general Ed Picson told AFP "the clock is ticking" and he thinks the IOC would be justified to pull boxing out of the Olympics unless certain drastic measures are applied.
Picson questioned some decisions against Rogen Ladon losing to Jasurbek Latipov of Uzbekistan in the finals and Nesty Petecio who was defeated by China's Yin Junhua in the round of 16.
Boxing has been contested at every Olympic Games since its introduction at the 1904 Olympics, except for the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, because Swedish law banned the sport during the time.
And it's a sad thing for us boxing fans not to witness any boxing competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics if the ban pushes through.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
Mon, 23 Feb 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 23 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
Sun, 22 Feb 2026SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 22 Feb 2026Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 21 Feb 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 21 Feb 2026BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
By Ralph Rimpell, Sat, 21 Feb 2026FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
Sat, 21 Feb 2026WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 21 Feb 2026WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
Sat, 21 Feb 2026"Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 21 Feb 2026A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
Sat, 21 Feb 2026Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026Pacman bout details revealed
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 20 Feb 2026IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 20 Feb 2026