The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) today welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to include Boxing on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic programme.
The decision was made at the IOC session in Greece overnight (AEDT) and follows recommendations from the IOC Executive Board, Olympic Programme Commission and the provisional recognition granted in February 2025 by the IOC Executive Board to World Boxing as the International Federation within the Olympic Movement governing the sport of boxing at world level.
More than 130 Australians have boxed at an Olympic Games, from Reginald ‘Snowy’ Baker winning silver at London 1908 (while also competing in Diving and Swimming), to Caitlin Parker making history as Australia’s first female Olympic boxing medallist at Paris 2024.
AOC President Ian Chesterman hailed the decision as a victory for the sport and for Australian athletes, ensuring boxing remains part of the Olympic Movement.
“The Olympic Games has always been a pivotal event for our boxers and we are thrilled that the IOC has reaffirmed boxing’s place on the programme for Los Angeles 2028,” Mr Chesterman said.
“Australia has a proud history in Olympic boxing, and this decision provides assurance and inspiration for the next generation of Australian athletes striving to represent Australia on the Olympic stage.
“Importantly this decision allows Boxing Australia and the coaches, support staff and athletes to plan with certainty as they build towards their Olympic goals at Los Angeles 2028.”
Twenty-two Indigenous Australian boxers have competed at an Olympics, a third of the known 66 Indigenous Australian Olympians.
World champions Jeff Fenech and Jeff Horn are part of Australia’s rich Olympic boxing alumni, and Australia sent its largest ever team of 12 boxers to the Paris Olympic Games, drawn from a vast variety of backgrounds.
“Indigenous athletes and athletes from diverse backgrounds have played a crucial role in Australia’s rich boxing history,” Chesterman added.
“Australians have connected with the stories of Olympic boxers like Harry Garside and Tina Rahimi, as they shared what representing Australia at an Olympics means to them.
“The Olympic Games have provided a platform for these outstanding athletes to shine, and we look forward to seeing more young Australians pursue their dreams in the ring.”
