USA Boxing Creates Esports Task Force

USA Boxing has announced the creation of an Esports Task Force to develop standards and best practices for future USA Boxing esports events.

The Task Force’s creation follows the International Olympic Committee’s decision to host the inaugural eSports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025, which IOC President Thomas Bach said is a “major step forward and is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.”

“Not everyone is capable of participating in Olympic level boxing,” said Mike McAtee, USA Boxing executive director. “Esports and virtual reality boxing create an exciting opportunity to expand the benefits of USA Boxing to new audiences in adaptive, fitness and eSports boxing. The more people that embrace our sport and support our mission, the better.”

The task force includes Golden Gloves VR. USA Boxing last year has announced a partnership with Tulsa-based tech company Engine Room VR, creator of virtual reality boxing game Golden Gloves VR. The collaboration includes the creation of a virtual USA Boxing training facility and arena inside the Golden Gloves VR game, which mirrors the official complex at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

“Virtual reality boxing is the perfect fit for Olympic-level esport competition due to the physical demands of the gameplay,” said Aaron Sloan, creator of Golden Gloves VR. “Our boxing expertise allowed us to develop the mechanics of the game to be very true to life.  The Golden Gloves VR player base already includes boxing enthusiasts from around the world. Esport boxing will further unite the world consistent with the Olympic vision.”

Olympic-style boxers from across the world, including members of the 2024 USA Boxing Olympic Team, had the opportunity to demo Golden Gloves VR and the multiplayer feature at the 2024 USA Boxing International Invitational and World Boxing Cup in Pueblo, Colorado, in April.