Future of Olympic Boxing: Threat and Hope for Developing Nations

Australian boxer Harry Garside expresses concerns about the potential exclusion of boxing from future Olympic Games. As the International Olympic Committee may not include boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this decision could disproportionately affect athletes from developing countries. Garside and fellow Australian boxers emphasize the importance of the sport, especially for women and disadvantaged communities.

Australian boxer Harry Garside has voiced concerns over the potential exclusion of boxing from future Olympic Games, calling the prospect 'terrifying.' He believes such a decision would impact athletes in developing nations the most.

For the Paris Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is organizing the boxing tournament after stripping recognition from the International Boxing Association due to governance, finance, and ethical issues. However, the sport may not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, fueling fears of its permanent exclusion.

Garside, a bronze medallist in Tokyo, and Caitlin Parker, a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, argue that boxing has been crucial, especially for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds and women. With Australia fielding the largest boxing contingent at the Paris Games, their success could spark a resurgence of the sport ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.