Boxing at the 2028 Olympics is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and widely anticipated events of the Los Angeles Summer Games. After decades of evolution in the sport, boxing is once again returning to the Olympic stage — this time in the glitzy arenas of LA, where legends will rise, punches will fly, and champions will be made.
Scheduled between July 14 to July 30, 2028, Olympic boxing will feature a total of 13 weight categories — 7 for men and 6 for women. With changes in formats, enhanced safety regulations, and advanced judging systems under review, this year’s edition promises a bold new chapter for the sport.
From global powerhouses like Cuba and the USA, to rising nations such as India, Uzbekistan, and Great Britain, the competition is expected to be fierce. Whether you’re a seasoned fight fan or a casual Olympic viewer, the return of Boxing at the 2028 Olympics will offer unmatched intensity, edge-of-the-seat drama, and raw athleticism at its finest.
In this post, we’ll cover the full event schedule, weight divisions, qualification process, top contenders, and how to watch the action live. Let’s dive in — because Olympic boxing history is about to be written again.
History of Boxing in the Olympics
EVOLUTION OF BOXING THROUGHOUT THE OLYMPIC GAMES – Boxing Canada
Boxing has long held a prestigious place in the Olympic Games. The sport made its official Olympic debut in 1904 at the St. Louis Games, and since then, it has become a cornerstone of Olympic combat sports. As we gear up for Boxing at the 2028 Olympics, it’s important to appreciate the journey that brought it here.
From humble beginnings in small gymnasiums to global arenas packed with cheering fans, Olympic boxing has launched the careers of some of the sport’s most iconic figures. Legends like Muhammad Ali, who won gold in 1960 under his birth name Cassius Clay, and Oscar De La Hoya, who captured gold in 1992 before becoming a multi-weight world champion, are just a few of the names who began their legacy on this stage.
Over the decades, Olympic boxing has evolved — introducing new weight classes, enhancing athlete safety, and expanding opportunities for women. It’s not just a proving ground; it’s a launchpad. Many professional champions trace their success back to their Olympic roots.
With Boxing at the 2028 Olympics, a new generation of boxers will rise, and the world will witness once again how Olympic dreams shape the future of the fight game.
Boxing at the 2028 Olympics: Full Schedule
The official fight calendar for Boxing at the 2028 Olympics has been structured to deliver nonstop action across all weight classes. Set in the heart of Los Angeles, this 17-day spectacle will feature thrilling bouts, dramatic knockouts, and historic wins that could define boxing’s next generation.
The boxing events will follow a four-phase schedule:
Preliminary Rounds (July 14–20, 2028)
The opening rounds kick off on July 14, featuring early matchups in all 13 weight categories. These rounds are critical as top seeds face emerging underdogs.
Quarterfinals (July 21–23, 2028)
The field narrows as fighters who survived the first wave face off. Expect fierce rivalries and close calls as boxers fight for a semifinal berth.
Semifinals (July 25–27, 2028)
Intensity peaks in the semis, where winners guarantee themselves at least a silver medal, while the losers still earn bronze — no bronze-medal fights are held in Olympic boxing.
Finals (July 28–30, 2028)
The grand finale will decide who takes home Olympic gold. With global audiences watching, the finalists will put everything on the line for boxing’s highest honor.
2028 Olympic Boxing Weight Classes
One of the most important aspects of Boxing at the 2028 Olympics is the updated weight class system, ensuring fair competition and global representation. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA) have finalized the structure to reflect better gender equity while maintaining competitive balance.
Men’s Olympic Boxing Weight Classes:
- Flyweight (51kg)
- Featherweight (57kg)
- Lightweight (63.5kg)
- Welterweight (71kg)
- Middleweight (80kg)
- Heavyweight (92kg and above)
Men will compete in 6 weight categories in LA28. These divisions were streamlined from earlier editions to focus on competitiveness and athlete safety.
Women’s Olympic Boxing Weight Classes:
- Flyweight (50kg)
- Featherweight (54kg)
- Lightweight (60kg)
- Welterweight (66kg)
- Middleweight (75kg)
Women will battle it out across 5 official weight classes in 2028 — a step up in parity and visibility for female boxers worldwide.
These divisions ensure exciting matchups, closer contests, and the highest level of athleticism. Whether it’s a featherweight showdown or a heavyweight war, Boxing at the 2028 Olympics will deliver unforgettable bouts.
Top Contenders to Watch at Boxing at the 2028 Olympics
Boxing moves ‘one step closer’ to 2028 Olympics place | ABS-CBN Sports
With Olympic boxing set to ignite the LA28 Games, fans are already speculating who the breakout stars and likely medal winners will be. From returning champions to rising young talents, here are the top fighters everyone will be watching at Boxing at the 2028 Olympics:
🇺🇸 Keyshawn Davis (USA) – Lightweight
A silver medalist at Tokyo 2020, Keyshawn Davis is one of the USA’s top hopes for gold in 2028. Known for his crisp combinations and elusive footwork, Davis has since turned pro but remains eligible for Olympic competition. He’s a strong contender to make history on home soil.
🇺🇿 Bakhodir Jalolov (Uzbekistan) – Super Heavyweight
The reigning Olympic champion from Tokyo, Jalolov is a powerhouse in the ring. With a perfect balance of height, reach, and knockout power, he’s expected to dominate again at Boxing at the 2028 Olympics, provided he qualifies through Uzbekistan’s rigorous national program.
🇨🇺 Andy Cruz (Cuba) – Lightweight
Cuba’s pride and a gold medalist at Tokyo, Andy Cruz is renowned for his technical finesse and ring IQ. After briefly turning pro, he’s rumored to return for LA28. If he enters the tournament, he’ll be one of the most dangerous names in the lineup.
🇮🇳 Lovlina Borgohain (India) – Welterweight
Lovlina made history in Tokyo by winning India’s third-ever Olympic boxing medal. Since then, she’s shown consistent improvement, clinching medals at world championships. With strong national backing and experience, she’s a top favorite in the women’s division.
🇬🇧 Caroline Dubois (UK) – Lightweight
After a strong showing in the 2020 Youth Olympics and turning heads in her early pro career, Caroline Dubois is aiming for LA28 with full force. With her explosive combinations and relentless pace, she’s one of the most exciting young prospects in Olympic boxing.
These fighters represent the best of their nations and are poised to make global headlines during Boxing at the 2028 Olympics. Expect fierce matchups, surprise upsets, and perhaps the birth of new legends in the squared circle.
Qualification Process for Boxing at the 2028 Olympics
Securing a place at Boxing at the 2028 Olympics isn’t easy — only the best of the best from around the world will earn that honor. The IOC and IBA have laid out a clear qualification system that includes regional and global paths, ensuring fair play and worldwide representation.
Continental Tournaments
Athletes will first attempt to qualify through major continental events like the Asian Games, European Games, African Boxing Championships, and the Pan American Games. Each event will allocate a limited number of Olympic slots per weight division.
World Qualifiers
Boxers who don’t qualify through their continental tournament can compete in World Qualification Events, expected to be held in late 2027 and early 2028. These tournaments will serve as the final opportunity for fighters to punch their ticket to LA.
Quota System by Weight Class
Each weight division in Boxing at the 2028 Olympics will have a fixed number of slots (e.g., 24 men per division, 16 women per division). This quota system ensures equal global participation and helps maintain competitive balance.
Where to Watch Olympic Boxing 2028
Fans across the world won’t miss a single punch — multiple official broadcasters will stream Boxing at the 2028 Olympics live and on-demand:
NBC Sports (USA)
NBC holds exclusive rights in the U.S. and will air all boxing events across their TV networks and streaming platforms.
Olympic Channel (Worldwide)
The Olympic Channel will provide daily highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage of boxing matches globally.
Peacock Streaming
For cord-cutters in the U.S., Peacock will stream Olympic boxing events live, allowing you to watch anytime, anywhere — even from your phone.
FAQs
How many boxing events will be held at the 2028 Olympics?
There will be 13 total weight categories—7 for men and 6 for women.
What are the new weight classes in Olympic boxing 2028?
The 2028 format includes revised limits for some weight classes to allow better gender balance.
Will professional boxers compete in the 2028 Olympics?
Yes, professionals are eligible under AIBA and IOC regulations since Rio 2016.
When does Olympic boxing start in 2028?
The boxing matches are scheduled to start from July 14, 2028.
Where will boxing be held in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
Likely venues include the Microsoft Theater or Crypto.com Arena, depending on final LA28 announcements.
How do boxers qualify for the Olympics?
Through continental qualifiers and world tournaments organized by IBA and Olympic boxing federations.
Which country has the most Olympic boxing golds?
Cuba leads with the most gold medals in Olympic boxing history.
Is headgear used in Olympic boxing?
No, men do not wear headgear since 2013; women still do for now, unless rules change in 2028.
Conclusion
Boxing at the 2028 Olympics promises to be more than just a tournament — it’s a global celebration of grit, discipline, and knockout talent. With updated weight classes, fairer qualification pathways, and rising stars from every continent, this event is set to redefine Olympic boxing for a new generation.
Whether you’re cheering for legends like Andy Cruz and Keyshawn Davis, or watching the rise of underdog nations, LA28 will deliver unforgettable moments inside the ring. For fight fans worldwide, this is one event you simply can’t afford to miss.
As the world counts down to the opening bell, one thing’s clear — the road to glory runs straight through Boxing at the 2028 Olympics.