The shift of the International Olympic Committee in 2026 regarding the female category is not just a sporting decision, but a rectification of what was defended in 2024 -from the presidency and the sports direction-. This Thursday, the organisation itself acknowledges that the female category must be protected under a clear biological criterion, something that was avoided at the time under a discourse of “flexibility” that ultimately generated more uncertainty than solutions and left a stain on the memory of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the boxing category.

At Paris 2024, the IOC publicly defended decisions that are now obsolete. Controversial cases in boxing were validated, any doubt was dismissed as “political noise” and it was insisted that everything was under control. However, the facts themselves proved otherwise. What matters is not to reopen those cases, but to acknowledge those mistakes and redirect them for the proper functioning of sport in a society that evolves and, as such, sport must do so without modifying its values and remaining honest with its principles.

Kirsty Coventry redirects the course

Here appears the figure of Kirsty Coventry. Her arrival has marked a clear shift, with the IOC abandoning ambiguity and committing to regulation based on science and the protection of the female category. The course has been corrected, although for some athletes it comes late (and because of the reputational damage caused and the consequences that have led to political debates, ideological interests… noise far removed from sport).

However, and to be clear that not everything is right, if there is one actor that is failing again it is the boxing ecosystem. First it was the IBA, with decisions described by the IOC itself as “arbitrary” and without solid basis. And now, the new body World Boxing, which was supposed to represent a turning point, is once again raising questions. Instead of providing definitive clarity, it has reintroduced doubts about processes, criteria and consistency in eligibility with the recent decision to admit Lin Yu-Ting in the female category.

World Boxing, moving against the IOC

It is not understandable, especially after the IOC’s latest statement on the matter. When an organisation is created to restore the integrity of a sport, it cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. And yet, that is exactly what is happening… To make matters worse, World Boxing is now moving in the opposite direction to the IOC. It seems completely illogical…

World Boxing’s decision does not seem the most appropriate if it wants to remain part of the Olympic programme. To the doubts about its credibility and transparency as an international federation, this surprising one regarding the female category is now added. Why has it not consulted the IOC to make a decision? How does World Boxing intend to move independently from international sport? Will it rectify? Too many questions for a sport that is “Olympically” shaking.