New Olympic Boxing Format Explained for 2028

Olympic boxing has undergone a dramatic transformation ahead of the LA 2028 Games. Following the governance controversies that overshadowed Paris 2024 — where the International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of its status as the Olympic governing body — boxing’s place at the Games was in serious doubt. Here’s everything you need to know about the new format and who will run it.

The Governance Crisis

The IOC stripped the IBA of its Olympic recognition in 2023 following years of concerns over finances, doping enforcement, and judging irregularities. For Paris 2024, boxing was run independently by a special unit — Paris 2024 Boxing Unit — directly accountable to the IOC.

Following Paris, the IOC confirmed boxing would remain on the LA 2028 programme, but under a reformed governance structure. The newly formed World Boxing organisation — which has attracted several national federations away from the IBA — has been provisionally recognised by the IOC and will oversee boxing at the 2028 Games.

Weight Categories at LA 2028

The number of weight categories has been revised for 2028:

Men’s Boxing (7 categories)

• 51kg (Light Flyweight)
• 57kg (Featherweight)
• 63.5kg (Light Welterweight)
• 71kg (Middleweight)
• 80kg (Light Heavyweight)
• 92kg (Heavyweight)
• +92kg (Super Heavyweight)

Women’s Boxing (6 categories)

• 50kg (Minimumweight)
• 54kg (Bantamweight)
• 60kg (Lightweight)
• 66kg (Welterweight)
• 75kg (Middleweight)
• +81kg (Super Heavyweight)

Scoring and Format Changes

The 10-point must system remains in place, but the judging methodology has been overhauled:

• Five judges (up from five, but now with greater independence verification) will score each bout
• Computerised scoring will be mandatory for preliminary rounds
• Video review is now available for knockdown rulings and low-blow calls
• Bout duration: 3 × 3-minute rounds for men; 3 × 2-minute rounds for women
• Head guard: Removed for men (as per the Paris 2024 precedent); retained for women

Qualification

Qualification for LA 2028 boxing is distributed through:

1. World Boxing Championships (2027)
2. Continental qualifiers (five confederations)
3. World Qualifying Tournament (LA, 2028)
4. Host nation automatic berths (USA gets one spot per weight class)

Athletes to Watch

Imane Khelif (Algeria) — Women’s 66kg gold medallist at Paris 2024. Her Paris journey dominated global headlines and she remains the sport’s biggest name heading into 2028.

Bakhodir Jalolov (Uzbekistan) — The super heavyweight who went professional after Paris but could return for 2028. Uzbekistan’s boxing program is the world’s strongest.

Omari Jones (USA) — Home crowd at LA 2028 and a medal favourite at 71kg. Jones won World Championship bronze in 2023.

Will Boxing Survive Beyond 2028?

The IOC’s recognition of World Boxing is provisional. The sport’s long-term place in the Olympics depends on World Boxing demonstrating clean governance, transparent finances, and reliable judging. LA 2028 is effectively boxing’s probation period — perform well, and the sport secures its Olympic future. Fail again, and boxing could be cut from the 2032 Brisbane programme.

Medal & More will track all Olympic boxing qualification news leading into LA 2028.