Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, has called for a radical change in amateur boxing, emphasizing its need for reform to remain a part of the Olympic Games. His comments come amid growing concerns about the governance and integrity of the sport.

Amateur boxing, a staple of the Summer Olympics since 1904, is at risk of being dropped from future games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the standards of governance in international amateur boxing, raising questions about its future in the Olympics.

Usyk, speaking during a Q&A at Ukraine House, criticized the current state of amateur boxing, describing it as “rotten on an international level.” He stressed the need for action rather than empty promises to restore integrity and trust in the sport.

“For many years, there has been a desire to change the boxing system, which is rotten on an international level. We just need to work. No promises need to be made; we need to act,” Usyk stated. He remains optimistic, however, about boxing’s place in the Olympics, despite the challenges. “But I think boxing will be in the Olympic Games. We are at war. But our athletes still came. They are fighting.”

Boxing narrowly made it into the 2024 Paris Olympics after a dispute between the IOC and the previous governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IOC stripped the IBA of its authority prior to the 2020 Tokyo Games, citing concerns over judging and scoring practices. This led to the establishment of a new governing body to oversee the sport at the Olympics.

Despite efforts to clean up the sport, controversies persist. At the current Games, several decisions have sparked outrage. British boxer Rosie Eccles was eliminated in the opening round after a controversial split decision, and super-heavyweight Delicious Orie faced a similar fate, leading to widespread criticism.

Orie, visibly upset, commented on his loss, saying, “I was fairly surprised at the result, I feel like I did just enough to edge it. I should’ve done more to be honest, not just to edge it. It wasn’t my day today and unfortunately this was the day where it really mattered.”

Usyk believes that significant changes are necessary to address these issues and restore confidence in amateur boxing. He insists that a revamp of the sport’s governance could resolve the IOC’s concerns and ensure that boxing remains a key part of the Olympic Games.

The debate over the future of Olympic boxing underscores the sport’s importance in developing talent and providing a platform for future world champions. However, without substantial reforms, its place in the Olympics remains uncertain.