The Algerian boxing federation that is home to Olympic champion Imane Khelif has joined the World Boxing group that wants to save the sport's place at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Algeria and Japan have joined World Boxing, increasing the organization's membership to 44 federations as it looks to preserve the sport's place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Boxing has not been formally removed from the Olympic programme but without a recognised governing body its fate remains uncertain

Photos shared online in August 2024 showed three authentic Vogue Algeria magazine covers featuring Olympic boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif. In August 2024, three photos were shared online purportedly showing Olympic boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif dressed in traditional Algerian outfits on three different front covers of Algeria Vogue magazine.

In the weeks since Algeria’s Imane Khelif won an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing, athletes and coaches in the North African nation say national enthusiasm is inspiring newfound interest in the sport,

Algeria, whose athlete Imane Khelif won gold at the Paris Olympics amid a gender dispute, and Japan have joined World Boxing, increasing the fledgling body's membership to 44 national federations, World Boxing said on Tuesday.