Knockout Blow to Boxing’s Olympic Future: The Implications for Women Fighters
Katie Taylor, one of the prominent figures in women’s professional boxing, fears that the dreams of future generations may be shattered due to an ongoing dispute between Olympic officials and the International Boxing Association. As uncertainty looms over boxing’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Taylor expressed her concerns about the potential consequences for the sport as a whole, including professional boxing.
The Olympics serves as a significant incentive for amateur boxers, and without this platform, many may be deterred from pursuing the sport, explained Taylor in an interview with The Associated Press. The impact on women’s boxing, in particular, could be severe, considering its recent debut in the Olympics in 2012. Taylor, along with Claressa Shields, has leveraged their Olympic success to elevate women’s boxing, headlining cards, filling arenas, and attracting media attention that has propelled the sport into the mainstream.
The International Olympic Committee’s decision to cut ties with the International Boxing Association in 2019 due to concerns over governance and fair judging further complicates the situation. Past instances of fixed bouts during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics have deepened the IOC’s mistrust towards the IBA and its connections with Russia. However, efforts are underway in the United States and Britain to establish a new federation, aiming to secure boxing’s position in the Olympics.
While the 2024 Paris Olympics remain unaffected, with the IOC planning to run qualifying and final tournaments similar to the Tokyo Games, the future of boxing at the 2028 Games hangs in uncertainty. Boxing has been an integral part of the Olympic program since 1904, except for one edition, and the IOC has not ruled out its inclusion in 2028. Nevertheless, the potential loss of the Olympics as a dream for aspiring young boxers is a matter of concern, as expressed by Taylor.
Re-reported from the story originally published in Republic TV English
