The Paris Olympics are officially over and while all eyes are on the Los Angeles Games in 2028, fans are already disappointed by the non-participation of a certain sport.

The 2024 Olympic Games were likely to be a wild ride from start to finish, from the now infamous debut of the breakdancing category to the seemingly endless controversies in gymnastics and boxing.

As preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, are in full swing, some fundamental things seem to be stalling along the way, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that a fan-favorite sport will not be available for selection this year.

For the first time in over a century, there will be no boxing categories at the 2028 Olympic Games.

We know it’s wild.

The decision came after a series of disagreements over finances and governance between the IOC and the International Boxing Association (IBA).

In 2023, the IOC withdrew its recognition as a world federation from the IBA and withdrew its right to host the boxing tournament for the 2024 Olympic Games. The IOC also criticized its decision to award prize money to the winners.

There is a possibility that boxing will not be included in the 2028 Olympic Games. (Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

In a statement released in May, the IOC wrote: “The IOC has noted the decision of the International Boxing Association (IBA) regarding prize money. As always with the IBA, it is unclear where the money will come from.”

“This total lack of financial transparency was precisely one of the reasons why the IOC withdrew its recognition from the IBA,” they added. “The IBA was not prepared to be transparent about its sources of funding or to explain its financial dependence on a single state-owned company, Gazprom.”

The IOC further stated that it was precisely these problems that led to the IBA not participating in the “qualification for or organization” of the boxing tournament at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Boxing is a popular sport that appeals to the crowds and fans alike. (RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)

“For all these reasons, boxing is not currently included in the sports programme of the Olympic Games LA28,” the IOC added.

In order for boxing to make a comeback, the IOC made it clear: “Olympic boxing must be organized by a credible, well-run international federation.”

“It is therefore already clear that any boxer whose national association is a member of the IBA cannot take part in the Olympic Games LA28. The respective NOC must exclude such a national boxing association from its membership.”

A final decision will be made in 2025. (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

However, a final decision will be made in 2025, meaning boxing can still be included if the organizing parties involved resolve their issues with the IOC.

Boxing has been featured in almost every Summer Olympic Games since its debut in 1904. The last time the sport was not featured was in 1912, as it was banned under Swedish law at the time.