Filipino boxers' Olympic dreams secured as boxing returns to LA 2028 program

Boxing has been reinstated into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics program, securing the Olympic dreams of Filipino boxers.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann reiterated the body's commitment to finance Filipino boxers aiming for success at the 2028 LA Olympics.

Bachmann stated that boxing's inclusion in the Olympics should boost the country's chances for gold medals, as the sport has consistently delivered medals.

Of the 18 Olympic medals the Philippines has won, 10 came from boxing, including bronzes from Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas in Paris last year.

Petecio, who will be 36 in the next Summer Games, is determined to make an Olympic return and aims to give the country its first gold medal in boxing.

Olympians Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas also expressed their desire to compete, while the participation of Hergie Bacyadan and Eumir Marcial remains uncertain.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach announced the inclusion of boxing in the Olympic program.