International Olympic Committee Recognizes World Boxing as Governing Body, opens the path for Inclusion in LA2028
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International Olympic Committee Recognizes World Boxing as Governing Body, opens the path for Inclusion in LA2028
[Montreal, February 27th] – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially recognized World Boxing as the international federation for Olympic-style boxing, helping to secure the sport’s place in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This landmark decision marks a new era for the sport, reinforcing integrity, governance, and long-term sustainability at the highest level of competition.
Boxing Canada has been an active and committed member of World Boxing since its inception, playing a key role in shaping the future of the sport. Reflecting Canada’s leadership in global boxing governance, Boxing Canada’s President, Ryan O’Shea, was elected as a World Boxing Vice President during the organization’s first Congress in 2023.
The road to gaining IOC recognition for World Boxing was not easy. A long list of requirements needed to be met – including governance, competitions, communications, transparency, and world-wide participation. Mr. O’Shea was a key leader in assisting Boxing nations to sign-on to World Boxing’s vision for Olympic-style boxing. “The IOC’s provisional recognition of World Boxing is a monumental milestone for our sport, but more importantly, it is a victory for athletes around the world. This decision ensures that boxers can continue to pursue their dreams of representing their country on the international stage and, one day, at the Olympic Games. Today, we celebrate not just an achievement for our organization, but a step forward in securing a future where fairness, integrity, and opportunity remain at the heart of boxing.”
Tricia Smith, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, praised the IOC’s decision and the role of World Boxing in securing the sport’s future:
“Today’s announcement by the IOC marks a significant milestone for Olympic boxing, and we commend World Boxing for its steadfast commitment to integrity, strong governance, and the long-term future of the sport. Since its inception, Boxing Canada has been a dedicated member and supporter of World Boxing’s mission and remains actively engaged in its leadership, ensuring the highest standards for boxers in Canada and beyond. We are proud to support Boxing Canada and its leadership as they help shape the future of international boxing, providing Canadian athletes with a clear pathway to compete on the world stage.”
The establishment of boxing’s place in the LA28 program will be a major victory for the sport in Canada. Wyatt Sanford’s inspiring bronze in the 63.5kg weight class at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making history by winning Canada’s first Olympic boxing medal in 28 years. For Wyatt, boxing has been a career since he was a young boy. “The opportunities that training and competition gave me have been incredible. It is heartening to know that the IOC and World Boxing have opened the door for the Olympics to be available to the next generations of Canadian boxers.” Wyatt joined Tammara Thibeault as the two boxers on the 2024 Paris Olympic Team, continuing a history going all the way back to Canada’s first Olympic Boxing Team who competed in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.
Executive Director of Boxing Canada, Christopher Lindsay, emphasized the importance of Olympic-style boxing and its inclusion in the Games. “Boxing combines skill, precision, and athleticism in honest competition. While professional boxing draws more publicity, Olympic-style boxing prioritizes multi-day competition, athlete safety, and sustainability. Lindsay also highlighted the impact of Olympic uncertainty, noting that “2025-26 Enhanced Excellence funding for Boxing Canada was cut by approximately 20%—even in a year where Wyatt Sanford ended the medal drought. Securing boxing’s place in the Games is vital to building on our momentum.” He reaffirmed Boxing Canada’s confidence in World Boxing as a partner, ensuring a strong future for the sport internationally and at home in Canada.
With boxing likely inclusion in LA28, Canada’s next generation of boxers can continue to train and compete with the confidence that their Olympic dreams remain intact. Boxing Canada remains committed to fostering excellence in the sport and upholding the highest standards of competition as part of World Boxing’s global movement.
About Boxing Canada: Boxing Canada is the national sport organization for the sport of Olympic Boxing in Canada. It provides leadership for national programming, teams, and policies in partnership with each province and territory’s sport organization. Thanks to the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, and all our national partners for their support.