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Boxing Faces Uncertain Future in Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 13:33 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: ALGERIA, FRANCE, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 13th, 2026 - The future of boxing in the Olympic Games remains deeply uncertain as the International Boxing Association (IBA) attempts a dramatic course correction to address longstanding concerns from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a significant development revealed today, French boxing officials are preparing to undergo genetic testing, a move designed to demonstrate full compliance with IOC regulations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This comes after the sport was excluded from the Paris 2024 program, leaving the IBA in a precarious position.

Dr. Mohamed Khelif, Chairman of the IBA Medical Commission, publicly stated the federation's willingness to submit to this rigorous testing, and crucially, to open its systems to independent scrutiny. "We are open to any requests, including genetic testing," Dr. Khelif told AFP. "We want to prove to the IOC that we are transparent and compliant. We are ready to do whatever it takes to secure boxing's spot in Los Angeles."

The IOC's concerns, which led to the IBA's suspension in 2022, center around three key pillars: governance, financial stability, and anti-doping practices. These aren't new issues; the IOC has been voicing worries about the administration and operational integrity of the IBA for years. The federation has struggled with allegations of questionable judging, financial mismanagement, and a lack of robust anti-doping measures, all of which undermine the principles of fair play and athlete safety.

The offer of genetic testing is particularly noteworthy. While standard anti-doping protocols focus on detecting prohibited substances, genetic testing aims to identify predispositions to traits that might give athletes an unfair advantage. This could include identifying genetic markers linked to increased muscle mass, endurance, or pain tolerance. The ethical implications of such testing are complex and have been debated extensively within the sporting community, however the IBA appears willing to address these ethical concerns in an attempt to appease the IOC.

While seemingly drastic, the IBA's proactive approach signals a level of desperation and a renewed commitment to reform. Their previous attempts to regain Olympic inclusion for Paris 2024 proved unsuccessful, highlighting the depth of the IOC's reservations. The stakes are incredibly high; exclusion from the Olympics would not only deprive athletes of the opportunity to compete on the world's biggest stage, but also severely damage the sport's global profile and funding.

However, genetic testing alone isn't expected to be a silver bullet. The IOC demands a holistic overhaul of the IBA's entire operational framework. This includes demonstrable improvements in financial transparency, a robust and independent governance structure, and a fully functional, internationally-recognized anti-doping program that goes beyond simply accepting genetic testing. The IOC is looking for a fundamental shift in the way the IBA operates, ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of sporting integrity.

The IBA's willingness to allow third-party experts to examine its systems is another crucial element of this attempted rehabilitation. This external oversight is intended to provide independent verification of the reforms being implemented and build trust with the IOC. The challenge lies in convincing the IOC that these changes are not merely cosmetic, but represent a genuine and lasting commitment to good governance.

Analysts suggest the IOC will be watching closely not only the implementation of these measures, but also the IBA's long-term commitment to maintaining them. Past attempts at reform within the boxing world have faltered, leading to a cycle of broken promises and renewed scrutiny. The IOC needs concrete assurances that the IBA has learned from its mistakes and is prepared to operate with transparency and accountability.

The next few months will be critical. The IOC is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the IBA's progress before making a final decision on boxing's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The pressure is immense, and the future of a historic Olympic sport hangs in the balance. Whether the IBA's bold offer of genetic testing, coupled with promises of greater transparency, will be enough to secure its place at the Games remains to be seen.