(MAR 25) COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  – At the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session, the IOC announced that Olympic-style boxing will be included on the schedule for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The announcement came during the IOC Executive Board meeting Thursday in Costa Navarino, Greece.

“This is a great day for boxers, boxing and everyone connected with our sport, at every level, across the world,” said Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing. “World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and we are determined to be a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Movement.”

The monumental announcement was made after the IOC Executive Board granted World Boxing provisional recognition as the International Federation within the Olympic Movement, governing the sport of Olympic-style boxing, in February 2025.

The IOC’s revelation provides the opportunity for USA Boxing competitors to keep their Olympic dreams alive ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Further, the decision allows World Boxing the opportunity to show its mission in action, to ensure that boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic movement for 2028 and beyond.

“The IOC decision to include boxing in the Los Angeles Olympics is a long-awaited result of the focused efforts and work of World Boxing and our entire Olympic Commission,” said Gennadiy Golovkin, World Boxing Chair of the Olympic Commission and 2004 Olympic-style boxing Silver medalist. This means that we have managed to preserve the dream that inspires thousands of athletes around the world. As an Olympian, I understand how important this is for future generations of champions. The Olympic Games are not just competitions, they are a symbol of hope, striving for excellence and an opportunity to show the world what you are capable of."

Olympic-style boxing is one of the most historic sports within the modern era of the Olympic Movement, dating back to 1904, when the Olympic Games were hosted in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, the sport has been prominently featured in each Olympic Games with the United States serving as a perennial powerhouse over the last century.

“Today is a monumental day for boxing and the athletes who have dedicated their lives to this sport,” said USA Boxing President Tyson Lee. “The inclusion of World Boxing in the Olympic Family for LA 2028 is a victory for integrity, fair competition, and the future of Olympic-style boxing. From the beginning, World Boxing has fought to preserve the values of our sport, ensuring that boxers have a transparent and athlete-first organization to represent them on the world’s biggest stage. This moment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of everyone who believed in this mission—from the leadership of World Boxing to the national federations, coaches, and most importantly, the athletes.

USA Boxing is proud to be part of this historic journey. The Olympic Games are where legends are made, and with this decision, generations of boxers will continue to have the opportunity to chase their dreams and showcase their skills at the highest level. Congratulations to World Boxing and the entire boxing community—today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for the future of our sport.”

The return of the Olympic Games to Los Angeles presents a unique opportunity for USA Boxing. The last time that the Olympic Games were hosted in Los Angeles was in 1984, where the USA captured an incredible 11 medals, nine gold, one silver and one bronze.

“Fantastic news,” said USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh. “Boxing being in LA is an inspiration for Kids from all parts of society for years to come.”

USA Boxing will begin the Olympic quadrennial by traveling to Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, for the World Boxing Cup Brazil, March 31 through April 5. Twelve athletes, seven men and five women, will represent Team USA at the event for the first Elite international competition of 2025.

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