What's happened
The International Boxing Association (IBA) faces challenges as the IOC has stripped it of recognition, jeopardizing boxing's inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. IBA President Chris Roberts insists boxing will be part of the Games, while the IOC remains firm on its stance against the IBA.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Daniel Boffey in The Guardian, Chris Roberts, the IBA President, remains optimistic about boxing's future in the Olympics, stating, "I think this myth about the boxing not being in the 2028 Olympics is just another shift to try and get people to jump camp." However, the IOC's position is clear; as noted in The Independent, an IOC spokesman emphasized, "IBA plays no role whatsoever in Olympic boxing anymore." This stark contrast illustrates the ongoing tension between the IBA and the IOC, with the latter firmly rejecting any collaboration with the IBA, as highlighted by Karolos Grohmann's report. Meanwhile, Watanabe's candidacy for IOC leadership underscores the need for a reevaluation of the IOC's decision-making processes, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
How we got here
The IBA lost its recognition from the IOC in 2023 due to governance and corruption issues. Despite this, IBA leadership claims ongoing negotiations with the IOC could restore boxing's Olympic status, while the IOC has urged national federations to form a new governing body.
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