Professional boxers are allowed to compete in the Olympics primarily due to a rule change implemented in 2016 by the International Boxing Association (AIBA). The first notable professional to compete was former titleholder Hassan N’Dam, who not only failed to medal but also lost his opening fight. The decision marked a departure from the amateur-only Olympics policy that had been in place for more than a century.
The change has sparked debate about fairness in boxing – which a cynic might identify as an oxymoron. In boxing, fairness often hinges on drawing power at the box office or leverage in negotiations rather than merit in competition. Traditionally, the Olympics represented the pinnacle of amateur achievement, but in 2024 at least one professional fighter, featuring varying skill levels, can be found in each division.
Among the most notable professionals is IBF women’s lightweight titleholder Beatriz Ferreira. Also returning are 2020 Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov and 2016 gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov, both now established professionals. The lines have been blurred, and while the future of professional boxers in the Olympics remains uncertain, so too is the future of the sport itself.
What follows is a list of every professional boxer competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics:
MEN’S BOXING
51 KILOGRAMS
Hasanboy Dusmatov, Uzbekistan
Pro record: 6-0, 5 KOs
Turned pro: November 2019
Notes: The 2016 gold medalist is the favorite to win the 2024 Olympics and is already fighting in 10-round bouts as a professional.
Amit Panghal, Indonesia
Pro record: 0-1
Turned pro: January 2014
57 KILOGRAMS
Vasile Usturoi, Belarus
Pro record: 2-0
Turned pro: September 2023
José Quiles, Spain
Pro record: 1-0
Turned pro: December 2022
Dolapo Omole, Nigeria
Pro record: 9-0, 9 KOs
Turned pro: February 2022
Abdumalik Khalokov, Uzbekistan
Pro record: 1-0
Turned pro: November 2023
63.5 KILOGRAMS
Sofiane Oumiha, France
Pro record: 5-0, 3 KOs
Turned pro: February 2022
Notes: Oumiha is best known for beating Teofimo Lopez in the Rio 2016 Olympics and being stopped by Keyshawn Davis in the 2020 Olympics. He will return for his third Olympic appearance in Paris.
Harry Garside, Australia
Pro record: 3-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: December 2021
Bakhodur Usmonov, Tajikistan
Pro record: 8-0, 3 KOs
Turned pro: December 2020
Erislandy Alvarez
Pro record: 3-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: February 2023
71 KILOGRAMS
Vakhid Abbassov, Serbia
Pro record: 7-0, 3 KOs
Turned pro: May 2018
80 KILOGRAMS
Eumir Marcial, Philippines
Pro record: 5-0, 3 KOs
Turned pro: December 2020
Arlen Lopez, Cuba
Pro record: 3-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: May 2022
Pylyp Akilov, Hungary
Pro record: 2-0
Turned pro: June 2021
92 KILOGRAMS
Davlat Boltaev, Tajikistan
Pro record: 4-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: December 2021
Julio César La Cruz, Cuba
Pro record: 2-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: May 2022
Ato Plodzicki-Faoagali, Samoa
Pro record: 2-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: November 2022
Lazizbek Mullojonov, Uzbekistan
Pro record: 4-0, 4 KOs
Turned pro: January 2021
Enmanuel Reyes, Spain
Pro record: 1-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: October 2022
Victor Schelstraete, Belarus
Pro record: 4-0, 3 KOs
Turned pro: January 2017
Georgii Kushitashvili, Georgia
Pro record: 2-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: December 2021
92 KILOGRAMS AND UP
Kamshybek Kunkabayev, Kazakhstan
Pro record: 5-0
Turned pro: August 2020
Bakhodir Jalolov, Uzbekistan
Pro record: 14-0, 14 KOs
Turned pro: May 2018
Notes: Jalolov won the division at the 2020 Olympics and is a heavy favorite to repeat. He is also an undefeated professional, having won all of his fights by knockout – including stopping Richard Torrez Jr. in international competition as a professional, raising questions about the inclusion of pros in the Olympics.
Teremoana Junior, Australia
Pro record: 4-0
Turned pro: December 2020
WOMEN’S BOXING
50 KILOGRAMS
Giordana Sorrentino, Italy
Pro record: 1-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: October 2023
Wassila Lkhadiri, France
Pro record: 2-0
Turned pro: April 2021
Yesugen Oyuntsetseg, Mongolia
Pro record: 2-0
Turned pro: July 2022
54 KILOGRAMS
Yeni Arias, Colombia
Pro record: 1-0-1, 1 KO
Turned pro: February 2023
Jutamas Jitpong, Thailand
Pro record: 5-2, 2 KOs
Turned pro: July 2016
Notes: Holds a win over former title contender Casey Croft.
Munguntseteg Enkhjargal, Mongolia
Pro record: 0-0-1
Turned pro: July 2019
57 KILOGRAMS
Amina Zidani, France
Pro record: 5-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: April 2021
Marcelat Sakobi Matshu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Pro record: 1-1
Turned pro: January 2020
60 KILOGRAMS
Beatriz Ferreira, Brazil
Pro record: 5-0, 2 KOs
Turned pro: November 2022
Notable: Ferreira is currently the IBF lightweight titleholder.
Estelle Mossely, France
Pro record: 11-0-1, 1 KO
Turned pro: July 2018
Notes: Mossely was the gold medal winner at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
ShihYi Wu, Taiwan
Pro record: 1-0
Turned pro: September 2018
Thi Linh Ha, Vietnam
Pro record: 1-0
Turned pro: August 2019
66 KILOGRAMS
Oshin Derieuw, Belarus
Pro record: 19-0, 7 KOs
Turned pro: April 2016
Notes: Derieuw is an entrenched professional contender who might suffer in an amateur format as a result of being too established as a pro.
Imane Khelif, Algeria
Pro record: 1-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: November 2023
Jessica Triebelova, Slovakia
Pro record: 3-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: December 2022
Brigitte Mbabi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Pro record: 1-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: April 2024
Ivanusa Moreira, Cape Verde
Pro record: 2-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: December 2021
75 KILOGRAMS
Citlali Ortiz, Mexico
Pro record: 4-1, 1 KO
Notes: Ortiz was thought to be a top pro prospect during the pandemic, but a split decision loss to Diana Tapia Castro in her fourth fight – an immediate rematch of a bout she won by majority decision – was a shock. Oritz had good power during her youth amateur run.
Hergie Bacyadan, Philippines
Pro record: 1-0, 1 KO
Turned pro: October 2023
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