Should we now all say thank you to GGG? Cause after years of tense negotiations and governance issues, the International Olympic Committee IOC has confirmed that boxing will remain a core sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. World Boxing, newly recognized by the IOC, will oversee the sport’s future at the Olympic level.
For World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst, it’s the end of a gruelling battle and the start of a new chapter:
“This is a great day for boxers, boxing, and everyone connected with our sport worldwide,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by former Olympic silver medallist and world champion Gennadiy Golovkin, who emphasized the significance of preserving boxing in the Games:
“It’s not just about medals - it’s about hope, excellence, and proving what you’re made of.”
Olympic legends like Wladimir Klitschko and rising stars such as Cindy Ngamba and Lauren Price all welcomed the news. Klitschko called it “absolutely fantastic,” recalling how his own gold-medal triumph jump-started his storied career. Meanwhile, Ngamba - who made history as a refugee medalist - believes the IOC’s decision keeps dreams alive for countless fighters looking for a global stage.
However, with provisional recognition comes responsibility. Fair judging, transparency, and proper governance must be upheld if boxing wants to secure its Olympic place beyond LA28. As Golovkin put it, “We have a huge responsibility…to preserve boxing’s rich history in the Olympic Games and ensure integrity going forward.”
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Image Credit: World Boxing