Boxing is one of the world’s most well-known stand-up striking martial arts sports. It is one of the finest exercises for fitness, cardio, self-defense, and enhancing daily productivity.
Boxing has been an Olympic sport since the 1904 Summer Olympic Games in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, except for 1912. On the other hand, Women’s Boxe made its Olympic debut in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The art of Boxing has been practiced for many years, possibly since the dawn. It appeared as a formal Olympic event in the 23rd Olympiad in 688 BCE. This article will explain why Boxing is an Olympic sport, among other things. Keep an eye out!
Is Boxing an Olympic Sport?

Boxing has been an Olympic martial art sport since 1904, when it was first included in the modern Summer Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Despite missing the 1912 Olympics, Boxing has never missed an event since.
Yet, the art of Boxing appeared as a formal Olympic event in the ancient Greece Olympiad in 688 BCE. Otherwise, it has been practiced for thousands of years.
Nowadays, this gentle art is a famous discipline attracting millions of people for fitness, self-defense, or other needs. It has millions of amateur and professional practitioners and fans.
Otherwise, The Boxing governing organization, the International Boxing Association (IBA), has done much to promote and enhance boxing tournaments, such as founding amateur Boxe in 1946.
Recommended: The ultimate list of martial arts Olympic sports
What Makes Boxing an Olympic Sport?
Boxing is an ancient combat sport featured in the ancient Olympiad and continues to appear in the modern Summer Olympic Games; you maybe wonder why?
Amateur Boxing is a popular Olympic combat sport since it is practiced worldwide. Moreover, it upholds the ideals of the International Olympic Committee.
Otherwise, several forms of shunning points helped Boxing get included in the Olympics at the beginning of the twentieth century, such as:
- The International Boxing Association (IBA), a nongovernmental organization, is the Boxing governing body worldwide. It has 205 member nations from the five continents.
- The IBA conducts the Olympic anti-doping measures and adheres to Olympic Charter restrictions.
- Boxing is a prominent combat sport that is extensively practiced by both genders worldwide, has millions of fans, and generates a lot of media attention.
Recommended: Is Judo an Olympic Sport?
Boxing Olympic Competition Format
Boxing is represented in the Olympics by amateur Boxing rather than professional Boxing. It takes place in a ring, with amateur boxers wearing headgear (women only), gloves, and mouthguards.
A Boxing match at the Olympics lasts three rounds of three minutes each, where boxers attempt to land a variety of punching techniques to defeat their opponents by points or knockout.
Indeed, Boxers are divided into several Olympic Boxing weight classes to ensure fair competition.
Will Boxing Be Included in the 2024 Olympics?
Boxing will compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. It will take place at Roland-Garros court between July 27th and August 10th.
Recommended: Martial Arts in the Olympics 2024
Will Boxing Be Included in the 2028 Olympics?
No!
Boxing will not contest in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 due to governing body problems. The International Boxing Association must resolve its issues to get reconsigned again by the International Olympic Committee.
Conclusion
Boxing is one of the world’s most popular striking martial arts that emphasizes several effective punching techniques. It is an old battle combat invented many years ago and appeared in the Greece Olympiad.
Boxing has been recognized in the modern Summer Olympics since the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis. Indeed, Women’s Boxing had its Olympic debut in the 2012 London Olympics.
However, several issues arose, and Boxing was withdrawn from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. As a result, the International Boxing Association must work quickly to resolve these shortcomings to regain recognition from the International Olympic Committee.
This article discussed why Boxing is not in the Olympics; we hope it was informative.
Related Article: Why is Kickboxing an Olympic Sport?
Frequently Asked Questions

When Did Boxing First Start in the Olympics?
Boxing became an Olympic fighting sport in 1904 during the St. Louis Summer Olympic Games in Missouri, USA.