Wladimir Klitschko backs World Boxing’s bid to save sport at Olympics

Former world heavyweight champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Wladimir Klitschko has thrown his support behind World Boxing and its president, Boris van der Vorst, in their efforts to keep boxing in the Olympic Games.

In a 39-second video, Klitschko, a Ukrainian boxing legend, emphasized the importance of maintaining the sport’s place in the Olympics, specifically with an eye toward the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

“Boxing is one of the most spectacular and oldest sports in the Olympic program,” Klitschko said. “Speaking as the 1996 Olympic champion, I want to advocate that boxing must be safe for LA2028.”

Klitschko, who won gold at the Atlanta Games, said he believes in the vision of World Boxing and van der Vorst to preserve the Olympic dreams of future boxers. He highlighted boxing’s global reach and its alignment with the values of the Olympic Charter.

World Boxing was founded in April 2023 with the explicit goal of keeping boxing in the Olympics. On May 7, 2024, the organization held its first formal meeting with the IOC, marking the beginning of collaboration aimed at ensuring boxing’s future in the Games.