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Why is professional boxing still not an Olympic sport?

Abdullah Lupton

Well, my fellow social media enthusiasts, let's talk about why professional boxing is still not an Olympic sport. And let me tell you, it's a topic that packs a punch!

First off, it's important to understand the difference between professional and amateur boxing. Professional boxing is the big leagues, where fighters can earn massive paychecks and compete for world titles. Amateur boxing, on the other hand, is where fighters don headgear and compete in three-round bouts in hopes of making it to the Olympics.

So why hasn't professional boxing made the leap into the Olympic spotlight? Well, there are a few knockouts to consider.

One of the biggest hurdles is weight classes. Professional boxing has more weight classes than you can shake a pair of gloves at, which would make it difficult to coordinate and manage in an Olympic setting. Plus, there's the issue of weight cutting, which is already a controversial subject in the sport.

Another issue is safety concerns. Let's face it, boxing is a dangerous sport, and professional fighters are often pushing their bodies to the limit. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been hesitant to include professional boxing due to concerns about long-term health effects on competitors.

And then there's the issue of corruption. Unfortunately, boxing has a reputation for dodgy judging and shady dealings. The IOC has implemented new scoring systems and regulations to curb this, but it's still a concern.

But don't throw in the towel just yet! There are some glimmers of hope on the horizon. In 2016, the IOC included professional boxers in the Olympics for the first time, specifically allowing professionals to compete in men's boxing. While only a handful of professional fighters took advantage of this opportunity, it was a step in the right direction.

In addition, there are whispers that the IOC may be considering adding women's professional boxing to the Olympics. Considering how much the sport has grown in recent years, with stars like Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor dominating the scene, it seems like a no-brainer to include them in the Olympic lineup.

So there you have it, folks. While professional boxing may not be an Olympic sport just yet, there are certainly reasons to be optimistic. Who knows, maybe one day we'll see the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford duking it out for a gold medal. One can dream, right?