Will Boxing Be in the 2028 Olympics? Yes – Here's Why

By Sarah Miller · November 1, 2025

Yes, boxing will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite earlier uncertainties regarding its governance and organizational structure.

Will Boxing Be in the 2028 Olympics? The Answer

Yes, boxing is officially confirmed to be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. After a period of uncertainty due to governance issues within the International Boxing Association (IBA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to reinstate boxing for the LA28 Games under a new organizing framework.

Background: The Road to Reinstatement

Boxing's presence in the 2028 Olympics was initially in jeopardy after the IOC suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2019 over concerns about governance, financial transparency, and judging controversies during previous Olympic cycles. This led to the IBA being excluded from organizing the boxing events at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Key Concerns That Threatened Boxing’s Olympic Future

Lack of compliance with Olympic standards in governance and ethics
Allegations of biased judging and match-fixing in past tournaments
Financial mismanagement and lack of transparency within the IBA
Failure to meet IOC-mandated reforms by deadlines

New Organizing Framework for LA28 Boxing

To ensure boxing’s return, the IOC has taken direct control by establishing an independent task force to oversee qualification pathways, competition format, and event management for the 2028 Games. This marks a significant shift from relying on a single international federation.

Structure of the New Boxing Event Model

Organized directly by the IOC in partnership with LA28 organizers
Independent referees and judges selected through transparent processes
Gender equality: Equal weight classes and athlete quotas for men and women
Introduction of real-time scoring transparency systems

Olympic Games	Boxing Sanctioning Body	Men's Weight Classes	Women's Weight Classes	Total Athletes
Tokyo 2020	Ad Hoc Task Force (IOC-run)	8	5	286
Paris 2024	IOC Boxing Task Force	7	6	248
Los Angeles 2028	LA28 Boxing Organizing Committee (IOC-supervised)	7 (proposed)	7 (proposed)	~270 (estimated)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a trend toward gender parity and streamlined competition formats. The increase in women’s weight classes from 5 in 2020 to a proposed 7 in 2028 reflects the IOC’s commitment to inclusivity. Additionally, maintaining IOC oversight ensures greater accountability compared to past editions managed by the IBA.

Implications for Athletes and National Federations

Athletes can now plan training and qualification campaigns with confidence. National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will play a central role in selecting boxers, as entries will be submitted directly through NOCs rather than via the IBA.

What This Means for Boxers

Clearer, fairer qualification process without IBA interference
Enhanced anti-doping and integrity monitoring
Equal opportunities for male and female competitors
Greater global participation expected due to open eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Boxing in the 2028 Olympics

Will professional boxers be allowed to compete in the 2028 Olympics?

Yes, professional boxers are permitted to compete in the Olympic Games, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as registering with their National Olympic Committee and participating in designated qualifying events. The amateur vs. pro distinction was removed after the 2016 Rio Games.

How many weight classes will there be in boxing at LA28?

Preliminary plans indicate 7 weight classes each for men and women, marking full gender parity. Final confirmation is expected in 2026 after consultation with stakeholders.

Who will organize the boxing events at the 2028 Olympics?

The boxing competitions will be organized by a dedicated LA28 Boxing Organizing Committee under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee, ensuring transparency and adherence to Olympic values.

Is the International Boxing Association (IBA) involved in the 2028 Olympics?

No, the IBA is not involved in the planning or execution of boxing at the 2028 Olympics. The IOC has chosen to operate independently due to ongoing governance concerns within the IBA.

Where will the boxing events take place during the 2028 Olympics?

The exact venue has not yet been announced, but it will be located within the greater Los Angeles area. A formal announcement is expected in 2026 as part of the broader venue rollout plan.