The IBA has asked President Trump to look into boxing’s exclusion from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The IOC suspended the IBA in 2019 primarily due to governance and financial issues, leading to boxing being excluded from the LA Games program. The IBA hopes for reinstatement with Trump’s help, while World Boxing seeks recognition to oversee Olympic boxing.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has formally requested that President Donald Trump investigate the exclusion of boxing from the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This request comes in light of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ongoing suspension of the IBA since 2019 due to significant concerns regarding the organization’s finances, governance, and refereeing practices. Despite an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed this suspension in April 2024.

Currently, the IOC handles boxing for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games, yet it has indicated that it will not manage the sport at future Olympics unless a new international federation is established. As of now, boxing is not scheduled to be part of the LA 2028 program, but the IOC has not finalized this decision. The newly formed World Boxing, which seeks recognition to oversee Olympic boxing, has acquired 60 members already.

In an open letter to President Trump, the IBA urged him to advocate for boxing’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Games, expressing hope that it would highlight the sport’s significance to American fans and the international community. The IBA emphasized, “We sincerely hope that boxing will be part of the celebrations in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics…” Trump, who has a historical engagement in boxing promotion, begins his term as President while the Games are set to occur.

The IBA also appreciated President Trump’s position on the issue of “participation of ineligible athletes” in boxing, which became controversial during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The matter involved the disqualification of certain athletes from the World Championships, despite their success in the Olympics, raising questions about adherence to eligibility rules set by the IBA.

The International Boxing Association has faced scrutiny since being suspended by the International Olympic Committee in 2019. This suspension was due to financial and governance issues, which led to the IOC assuming direct control over Olympic boxing events. The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics presents an opportunity for boxing to regain its place in the Olympic framework, pending the establishment of a new governing body. The situation highlights the broader challenges facing Olympic sports governing organizations, particularly in maintaining compliance with international regulations and standards. World Boxing aims to replace the IBA as the recognized body for Olympic boxing, promoting reforms to restore faith in the sport’s governance. Their increasing membership may play a crucial role in achieving recognition ahead of the 2028 Games. Additionally, the controversy surrounding athlete eligibility at international championships emphasizes the need for clear, fair regulations that can be consistently applied across competitions, enhancing the integrity of the sport. President Trump’s previous involvement in boxing promotion during the 1990s adds another layer of significance to the IBA’s appeal, as they may seek to leverage his familiarity with the sport to influence its reinstatement for the Olympics.

In summary, the International Boxing Association has formally requested President Trump to assist in reinstating boxing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, following its exclusion amid governance issues. The IOC, having managed boxing for recent Olympic events, has yet to finalize a decision regarding the sport’s future in the Games. As World Boxing challenges for official recognition, the IBA’s appeal serves to highlight ongoing struggles within the sport’s governance and eligibility frameworks. With the impending Olympics, the advocacy for boxing’s inclusion reflects its historical significance and the enthusiasm surrounding its potential return.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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