New York: Lauren Price, the middleweight gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has emphasized the significance of boxing’s inclusion in the Games, stating that its removal would be catastrophic for the sport.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took the decision in June to revoke recognition from the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to its failure to implement necessary reforms concerning governance, finance, and ethical matters.
While the boxing tournaments at the upcoming Paris Games are under the IOC’s organization, concerns loom over the sport’s potential exclusion from future Olympics, particularly with it not featuring in the initial program for Los Angeles 2028.
In an interview with Sky Sports published on Friday, Price, hailing from Wales, expressed her deep concern: “I believe boxing can’t come out of the Olympics. It’ll be a disaster, young people’s hopes, dreams will be crushed.” She emphasized the Olympics as the pinnacle of the sport and highlighted the crucial role it plays in shaping the careers of aspiring boxers.
Price continued, drawing parallels with legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather and others who have risen through the Olympic ranks: “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.”
In response to the potential void left by the IBA, World Boxing, a rival governing body, has expressed its intention to seek recognition from Olympic organizers to fill the gap and ensure boxing’s continued presence in the Games for LA28.
As an athlete representative for World Boxing, Price anticipates a surge in federations from various countries joining the governing body after the conclusion of this year’s Olympics in Paris.
