Boxing's future at the Olympics is in jeopardy - its omission would be a tragedy
It’s a nervous moment for amateur boxing.
The fate of the sport as an Olympic event is to be decided at the 141st session of the general assembly, which begins in Mumbai on Sunday. Boxing, which made its Olympic debut in 1904, is confirmed for Paris next year, but not yet for Los Angeles in 2028.
Concerns over unreliable judging, financial irregularities and corruption led the IOC to threaten exclusion unless the governing body, the IBA, introduced reforms. The refusal of the IBA to act led to its expulsion from the Olympic movement and left boxing vulnerable to replacement by other sports, including cricket, baseball/softball, lacrosse and squash.
Despite assurances at an extraordinary meeting of the IOC in June that boxing is safe, it was not included in a provisional list of 28 sports for 2028 issued last year.
There was no doubt the IOC had to act. The IOC assumed control of the qualification programme for Japan and has done so again for Paris in the absence of a new, ratified body to govern amateur boxing.
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It can’t be beyond the wit of man to come up with a satisfactory judging arrangement free of outside interference. They will never get it to 100 per cent right, but 98 per cent is achievable within a tolerance of human error.
Ultimately positions of power within national and international governing bodies should be capped at two years. This would lessen the potential for unwanted influence.
Amir Khan won Olympic silver in 2004 (PA)I was on the wrong end of three lousy decisions in my amateur career, all of which were politically motivated. Many others have also been robbed, not least Michael Conlon, who lost controversially to Russian boxer Vladimir Nikitin in the quarter-finals in Rio.
Sport has become a big, soft power tool, a way of gaining influence on the world stage. In my era, it was largely Soviet influence affecting outcomes. Now there are other political agendas.
It would be a travesty were boxing not to be retained. The sport is indelibly linked to the Olympic Games. Look at the contribution Olympic boxing has made to the sporting landscape, providing a springboard for so many global superstars, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar de la Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Amir Khan and Anthony Joshua.
Boxing is a force for good in society. It allows youngsters to grow as people, teaches discipline and respect, gives under privileged kids a shot in this world. The positives far outweigh the negatives. I hope the IOC see it that way in Mumbai.
* Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym
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