IOC Executive Board Announces Olympic-Style Boxing Will be Included on LA28 Olympic Schedule
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 22 Mar 2025
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 21, 2025) – At the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, the IOC announced that Olympic-style boxing will be included on the schedule for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The announcement came during the IOC Executive Board meeting Thursday in Costa Navarino, Greece.
“This is a great day for boxers, boxing and everyone connected with our sport, at every level, across the world,” said Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing. “World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and we are determined to be a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Movement.”
The monumental announcement was made after the IOC Executive Board granted World Boxing provisional recognition as the International Federation within the Olympic Movement, governing the sport of Olympic-style boxing, in February 2025.
The IOC’s revelation provides the opportunity for USA Boxing competitors to keep their Olympic dreams alive ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Further, the decision allows World Boxing the opportunity to show its mission in action, to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement for 2028 and beyond.
“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,” said Gennadiy Golovkin, World Boxing Chair of the Olympic Commission and 2004 Olympic-style boxing Silver medalist. This means that we have managed to preserve the dream that inspires thousands of athletes around the world. As an Olympian, I understand how important this is for future generations of champions. The Olympic Games are not just competitions, they are a symbol of hope, striving for excellence and an opportunity to show the world what you are capable of."
Olympic-style boxing is one of the most historic sports within the modern era of the Olympic Movement, dating back to 1904, when the Olympic Games were hosted in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, the sport has been prominently featured in each Olympic Games with the United States serving as a perennial powerhouse over the last century.
“Today is a monumental day for boxing and the athletes who have dedicated their lives to this sport,” said USA Boxing President Tyson Lee. “The inclusion of World Boxing in the Olympic Family for LA 2028 is a victory for integrity, fair competition, and the future of Olympic-style boxing. From the beginning, World Boxing has fought to preserve the values of our sport, ensuring that boxers have a transparent and athlete-first organization to represent them on the world’s biggest stage. This moment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of everyone who believed in this mission—from the leadership of World Boxing to the national federations, coaches, and most importantly, the athletes.
USA Boxing is proud to be part of this historic journey. The Olympic Games are where legends are made, and with this decision, generations of boxers will continue to have the opportunity to chase their dreams and showcase their skills at the highest level. Congratulations to World Boxing and the entire boxing community—today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for the future of our sport.”
The return of the Olympic Games to Los Angeles presents a unique opportunity for USA Boxing. The last time that the Olympic Games were hosted in Los Angeles was in 1984, where the USA captured an incredible 11 medals, nine gold, one silver and one bronze.
“Fantastic news,” said USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh. “Boxing being in LA is an inspiration for Kids from all parts of society for years to come.”
USA Boxing will begin the Olympic quadrennium by traveling to Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, for the World Boxing Cup Brazil, March 31 through April 5. Twelve athletes, seven men and five women, will represent Team USA at the event for the first Elite international competition of 2025.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Undefeated Rising Prospect Robert Guerrero Jr. to Appear at 3rd Annual Battle of the Trades on April 25
Thu, 23 Apr 2026WBC WORLD CHAMPION DALTON SMITH SIGNS NEW LONG-TERM CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH EDDIE HEARN’S MATCHROOM BOXING
Thu, 23 Apr 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Team Swept Day Two of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
Thu, 23 Apr 2026FAELDONIA & NGO RULE STA. FE, ROMBLON, TABLAS OPEN CHESS TOURNAMENT
Thu, 23 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines heads to Okada, Manila
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 23 Apr 2026May 16: Kelvin Davis-Peter Dobson Welterweight Clash & Yan Santana-Cristian Cruz Featherweight Battle Added to Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II Card LIVE on DAZN
Wed, 22 Apr 2026World Super Flyweight contender John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez waiting for Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’ final decision
Wed, 22 Apr 2026Former champ Lawrence Okolie tested positive in VADA testing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 22 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Secures Win for Team USA on Day One of World Boxing Cup - Stage 1
Wed, 22 Apr 2026Garcia, Young, Gatus banner tough field in 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open Tournament on May 1
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 22 Apr 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION APRIL 20 APRIL 2026: Baumgardner Outpoints Shin, Retains IBF/WBA/WBO 130 Lb Titles; Daniels Stops Green in 9; Lorente SD Collins in WBC Welter Eliminator
By Eric Armit, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Year of Memories Between the Ring and Faith
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 21 Apr 2026High Stakes in Ufa: Subkhankulov and Usmonov Clash for IBF #2 Spot
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Elorde Jr. is new PBF president
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Apr 2026Ancajas wins 1st bout as feather
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Apr 2026