Debate on Excluding Boxing from 2028 Olympics in LA
Transcript
00:00You mentioned Cassius Clay, 1960, I mean, to me, boxing is one of those sports that is an Olympic sport.
00:10Before you become a pro, before you become a world champion, you're a boxing champion in the Olympics.
00:15What is your opinion of this notion that there will not be boxing in the 2028 Games in L.A.?
00:22Absurd. Again, I purposely used the name of Cassius Clay, and I don't know what is the argument.
00:33As I really haven't paid attention to what the IOC's argument or any other governing body's argument is against having boxing in the Olympics.
00:44What sport is inherently older other than wrestling? What sport is more naturally endemic to global culture?
00:54I don't know of one other than maybe track and field.
00:58But even track and field requires a level of organization that boxing doesn't.
01:03It's very simple. You put on gloves and box.
01:08So, you know, I'm I'm disappointed. I don't want to go so far as disturbed.
01:16Officials are officials. They have to make certain kinds of decisions to live.
01:21I don't know who it is who's opposed to including boxing in the Olympics, but it makes no sense to me.
01:27I know I am reading that the IOC is trying. They've given boxing a year to get their governance and finances in line to get it into L.A.
01:36Well, I think that's a good idea. And, you know, I think the greatest injustice I know of with regard to any one competitor in the Olympics is what happened in Seoul, South Korea to Roy Jones.
01:51The the absolute criminal denial of a gold medal that, frankly, would have meant a lot to Roy as his life went along.
02:00So I see the problems. I would agree that the global governing body has been a cesspool of misbehaviors and inadequacies.
02:10But that doesn't mean you get rid of the sport entirely.