IOC board recommends boxing for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

May 23, 2019

Lausanne, Switzerland--The International Olympic Committee's Executive Board recommended Wednesday that boxing keep its place at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The board also recommended that the IOC's recognition of the International Boxing Association, known as AIBA, be suspended because its reform efforts with regard to governance and finances are insufficient.

These recommendations are subject to approval at an IOC meeting on June 24-26 in Lausanne.

The total athlete quota for boxing at the Tokyo Games will remain at 286, and the total number of eight men's events and five women's events will be maintained, the board said.

Preparations for boxing at the 2020 Olympics have been frozen, leaving people living in Japan unable to apply for tickets.

"Today's decision was taken in the interest of the athletes and the sport of boxing. We want to ensure that the athletes can live their dream and participate" in the Tokyo Games, IOC President Thomas Bach said.

Referring to AIBA, he said, "We offer a pathway back to lifting the suspension, but there needs to be further fundamental change." Jiji Press END