“Will Be a Huge Blow”: As Boxing Sports Under Threat of Ban, Undisputed Lightweight Champion Expresses Concerns

Over the years, boxing has become a dominant force in combat sports. The sport of pugilists rose to fame after being first contested in the Summer Olympics in 1904. Ever since then, boxing penchants always have had something to geek out about. Whether it is lacing up gloves, trading punches, and a series of attacks and defenses, boxing indeed rendered some serious adrenaline rush to its viewers. However, the sport that made a haven in the hearts of millions is now being pondered upon for its removal from the Olympics.

Though boxing has confirmed its position in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to confirm its place in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Following this, the Irish professional boxer, Katie Taylor, raised concerns regarding the overall functioning of the sport and the effects it would proffer to its pursuers.

Boxing’s position in the 2028 games falls in jeopardy

Recently, Taylor appeared in an interview with the Associated Press, where she shared her perspective on boxing’s omission from the Olympics. She stated, “It will be a huge blow to boxing overall, even professional boxing”. Now, it has only been a decade since the women’s boxing division made its Olympic debut in 2012. Interestingly, after bagging gold at the London Olympics (2012), Taylor became a household name in the world of boxing and is the current undisputed lightweight champion.

With speculations surrounding its removal from the Olympics, the Irish champion believes that it will not only threaten the women’s boxing arena but the sport as a whole.

The sole reason behind the contemplation of dropping boxing from the Olympics is the long-running dispute between the International Boxing Association (IBA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). In the wake of this, in 2022, the Irish boxer Michael Conlan voiced his silence and shared his views on the same.

Who is responsible for the boxing ban from the Olympics?

Last year, several conjectures were formed that asserted boxing’s removal from the 2024 Olympics, because of the long-standing debate between IBA and IOC. On this, Conlan expressed his disregard for IBA and conceded, “This will have a major effect on the future of boxing amateur & professional!”. 

Read More: IOC Takes a Huge Step for Gender Equality at Paris Olympics 2024 by Introducing Major Changes in Boxing and Weightlifting Sports

Though the sport still has maintained its position in the next year’s games, its position in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics still hasn’t received any final confirmation. And if its place does not get corroboration from the IOC, it could, as Katie Taylor said, “be a big blow” for the combat sports.

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