Boxing legend and former world champion, Roy Jones Jr, says that the exclusion of boxing from the LA 2028 Olympics is a crime.
Roy Jones addressed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through an open letter agitating that boxing should be represented in the Olympic programme.
In his open letter, the former world champion also launched a campaign #STANDFORBOXING.
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“In fact, the new International Boxing Association (IBA) doesn’t like empty talks, but actions. The work carried out in little less than two years is tremendous, and we all have been able to witness it.
“I urge all athletes, no matter if you are an amateur or professional boxer, active or retired, defending or future champion, I urge all coaches, referees and judges, all National Federations and Confederations, our dear fans and all those, who love boxing. Join me, join my campaign #STANDFORBOXING,” part of the letter read.
In his letter, Roy Jones recalled his 1998 Olympic loss claiming that he lost due to the biased decision from the officials.
The former boxer expressed his confidence in the IBA, asking for the International Olympic Committee to let the boxing organisation work to develop boxing around the world.
He asked the IOC to let bygones be bygones, and that past mistakes should not affect the future of many boxing athletes.
“Given the past mistakes, the IOC should not impose their functionaries and dictate, they must help. I really hope that in the existing circumstances, the IOC will reconsider its attitude to the situation and will cooperate. We faced inequity and biased judgment against us, but the sport of boxing, with all its history, didn’t deserve it!
“The whole boxing family must unite in our common fight against injustice. Boxing must be represented in the Olympic programme. Generations of athletes should not be punished for C.K. Wu and his team’s crimes. The IOC should take into account the huge work of the IBA to clean the sport from past issues,” Roy’s letter read.
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