(Reuters) – According to Tokyo 2020 middleweight gold medallist Lauren Price, the Olympics serves as the pinnacle of boxing and losing its inclusion in the Games would be catastrophic. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made the decision in June to revoke recognition of the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to its failure to implement reforms related to governance, finance, and ethical issues.
While the boxing tournaments for the Paris Games this summer are being organized by the IOC, there are concerns that the sport may be left out of future Games, especially since it is not included in the initial programme for Los Angeles 2028.
In an interview with Sky Sports published on Friday, Price, who hails from Wales, expressed her belief that removing boxing from the Olympics would have a detrimental impact on the hopes and dreams of young athletes. She emphasized the significance of the Olympics as the highest platform for the sport, highlighting that many legendary boxers, including Floyd Mayweather, have emerged from the Olympic experience.
“You don’t get any higher than the Olympics, so for me, if someone said to me, you could go to the World Championships with IBA or you’re going to the Olympic Games, I know which one I would pick,” Price stated.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of boxing in the Olympics, the rival governing body, World Boxing, has announced its intentions to seek recognition from Olympic organizers to replace the IBA and ensure the sport’s continuity in the Games for LA28.
Price, who serves as an athlete representative for World Boxing, expressed confidence that more federations from different countries would align with the new governing body following the conclusion of this year’s Olympics in Paris.
The importance of boxing in the Olympics is underscored by the fact that it serves as a breeding ground for top talent in the sport, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Price’s sentiment of preserving boxing’s place in the Olympics is echoed by many in the boxing community who recognize the significance of the Games in shaping the careers of aspiring boxers.
As discussions continue regarding the future of boxing in the Olympics, athletes like Price are advocating for the sport’s continued inclusion, emphasizing the impact it has on inspiring and nurturing the next generation of boxing talent.
With efforts underway to secure recognition for World Boxing as the governing body for the sport in the Olympics, the hope is that boxing will maintain its place as a cherished and integral part of the Games for years to come.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
