The International Olympic Committee are set to reverse their decision to exclude boxing from the 2028 Olympic Games later this week, meaning the sport is now expected to feature in Los Angeles.

The news comes after World Boxing have been given provisional recognition as the sport's international governing body, following the suspension of the International Boxing Association in 2019.

That suspension of the Russian-led association, which was mandated as a consequence of finance, refereeing and ethical issues, led to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) overseeing boxing at the past two stagings of the Olympics, and the expectation was that the sport would be excluded from the 2028 games.

However, following widespread criticism of the decision withdraw boxing's Olympics inclusion, it appears an agreement has now been reached for World Boxing to be given the green light to act as the sport's new governing body.

"After the provisional recognition of World Boxing in February we were in a position to take this decision," IOC president Thomas Bach said.

"This recommendation has to go to the session, but I am very confident they will approve it so that all the boxers of the world then have certainty they can participate in the Olympic Games in LA."

World Boxing was formed in April 2023, and now boasts 84 members across five continents, including Great Britain, with the governing body having proven they can meet several key criteria for provisional recognition.

President of World Boxing, Boris van der Vorst said: "This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic programme.

"I have no doubt it will be very positively received by everyone connected with boxing, at every level throughout the world, who understands the critical importance to the future of the sport of boxing continuing to remain a part of the Olympic movement.

"World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right and I assure the IOC that if boxing is restored to the programme for LA28, that World Boxing is completely committed to being a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Charter."

Official ratification of the decision is expected to be announced on Friday 21st March, 2025.

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