The 1996 Olympic boxing competition drew 355 athletes from 97 countries and was marked by controversial judging decisions that affected multiple bouts.
Key Facts
- Number of events
- 12 events
- Athletes competing
- 355 athletes
- Countries represented
- 97 countries
- Schedule start
- 20 July 1996
- Schedule end
- 4 August 1996
- Venue
- Alexander Memorial Coliseum, Atlanta
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta included boxing as one of its medal sports, drawing competitors from 97 nations. Twelve weight categories were contested, attracting 355 athletes to the Alexander Memorial Coliseum over a two-week period beginning 20 July.
Boxing competitions ran from 20 July to 4 August at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Twelve events were decided across the weight divisions. Notable contested bouts included the light welterweight semi-final between Floyd Mayweather and Serafim Todorov, and the light flyweight final between Daniel Petrov and Mansueto Velasco.
The tournament drew widespread criticism over judging integrity. Todorov was awarded the semi-final victory over Mayweather despite many observers believing Mayweather had won, and Petrov claimed gold in the light flyweight final amid accusations of one-sided scoring that should have favored Velasco, fueling ongoing debate about amateur boxing officiating standards.