Will There be Boxing in the 2024 Olympics?

By Jayson Panganiban July 25, 2024 12:02

Photo by Jam Media/Getty Images

Boxing has roots in the Olympic Games tradition as far back as 688 BC when it was first introduced into the ancient Greek Olympics, except for the 1912 Stockholm Games, which was rejected by Swedish law. It's safe to say that the sport has been an area of competition in almost every modern Olympic Summer wedding since then. The Olympic boxing competition has been a breeding ground for the sport's greatest champions over the decades, including arguably its greatest ever in Muhammad Ali, who won light heavyweight gold in Rome in 1960 as Cassius Clay.

In-Depth: The More Difficult Dialogue With Regards to Boxing at Paris 2024

Despite this legacy, the chances of boxing being on the card at the Olympic Games in Paris is debatable and very much up for grabs. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has, for some time already now, been deeply worried by the situation of governance and integrity issues at AIBA (International Boxing Association). These fears led to the IOC suspending AIBA recognition and participation in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

In the months before Paris 2024, the IOC will also remain vigilant regarding AIBA's reform process and remedies against such integrity issues. In 2020, AIBA made a number of governance changes and reforms, with some anti-doping requirements being followed up on in recent months as Umar Kremlev was elected president. Still, the IOC has not fully restored AIBA recognition, keeping the sport's Olympic future in question.

Key Stakeholders

The constant uncertainty about boxing's place in Paris 2024 has been met with differing opinions from those involved:

Governing Bodies

The IOC has been adamant, stressing that boxing will be included in the 2024 Olympics if AIBA can prove it is getting a grip on its governance and integrity issues. Conversely, AIBA insists that it has made all of the required changes and is in communication with the IOC to ensure boxing will feature in Paris.

Athletes

In recent years, many boxers, including some old and new Olympic medalists, have emphasized how much the sport should be retained as part of the Olympics. The essential argument is that amateur boxers need a big platform to market their skills and dreams.

Other Stakeholders

If boxing remains an important part of the Olympic program, there will also be ramifications for the wider Olympic ecosystem, ranging from host cities to sponsors and fans. Organizers of Paris 2024 have underlined the need to ensure they are not member-only events, meaning inclusive and accessible Games for persons with disabilities. The possible omission of boxing would qualify as a step back in that line, given the sport has historically been where minority athletes went to play on the grandest stages.

What Boxing Means And Does Not Mean for Paris 2024

The repercussions of adding boxing in the 2024 Paris Olympics would be radical on fencing as a sport, fencers, and the grander Olympic drive:

Positive Impacts

This is an opportunity for amateur boxers to demonstrate their talents on the global sporting platform.
Maintaining the rich Olympic tradition and legacy of boxing
Increase in participation and interest in the sport, especially among younger generations.
This is in line with the ambition of Paris 2024 towards inclusiveness and accessibility.

Potential Challenges

Continuous international oversight and monitoring of AIBA to manage governance risks and safeguard continued reform
Safety of athletes and their well-being in view
Potentially, feedback from fans and sponsors if the problems in racing are not adequately dealt with
Wider diversity and inclusivity of the Games could be at risk.
It could be a better platform to show the best side of the sport.

The issue of boxing's participation in Tokyo 2020 has dominated the agenda in recent months. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, that debate is set to intensify. Those factors should keep boxing in the Olympics, with a rich tradition at the Games and an IOC bent toward broadening its program to as many athletes as possible. However, what comes of AIBA's operational reform might be more telling.