The future of boxing at the Olympics hangs in the balance after a damaging gender controversy overshadowed the sport’s inclusion at the Paris Games.
Boxing has been a staple of the modern Olympics since its debut in 1904, with legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, and Lennox Lewis all starting their careers at the Games. However, its presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is now uncertain.
The controversy erupted when the International Boxing Association (IBA) disqualified Algerian Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year, claiming genetic testing showed they were “men.” The IOC cleared them to compete in Paris, expressing doubts about the IBA’s testing and motivations.
Khelif won gold in Paris, declaring, “I am a woman like any other.” Taiwanese officials have threatened legal action against the IBA. Lin also won gold in her weight category.
The IBA’s actions have drawn widespread criticism, with veteran British boxing journalist Steve Bunce calling it “an absolute disaster.” Former British boxer Spencer Oliver agrees, saying, “It’s just a mess because boxing comes into the spotlight again, but for the wrong reason.”
At the heart of boxing’s problems is a dispute between the IOC and the IBA. The IOC stepped in to run boxing at the Tokyo and Paris Games, effectively freezing the IBA out of the Olympic movement. IOC president Thomas Bach has warned that boxing’s national federations need to find a new international partner for the IOC to consider its inclusion in 2028.
The IBA’s main contribution in Paris was a chaotic press conference that failed to clarify its reasons for disqualifying Khelif and Lin. IBA president Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, has been accused of misogyny and corruption.
Those within the sport fear that excluding boxing from the Olympics would have multiple repercussions. Ireland’s Kellie Harrington, who retained her title in Paris, worries that countries will pull funding for their boxing programs without the Olympics as a goal.
British boxing officials have highlighted the importance of the Olympics as a springboard for professional success, with former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua being a prime example.
Despite the governance issues, many believe that boxing’s absence from the Olympics would be a significant loss. “I think the Olympics without boxing would be a shame. It would be very, very sad,” said Oliver. “I’m hoping that they can sort out all the politics that go on behind the scenes, and boxing continues. I’m sure it will do.”
