With Olympic boxing on the ropes, Japan fighters fear dashed dreams

Yudai Shigeoka has long dreamed of becoming a world boxing champion, but a decision that could see the sport excluded from the 2020 Olympics might deal his hopes a knockout blow.

The International Olympic Committee said last month it was suspending preparations for boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Games over governance concerns, leaving Japanese boxers in limbo.

"All of us have been practising for the Tokyo Olympics," the 21-year-old told AFP after an evening training session at the Takushoku University gym in the Tokyo suburb of Hachioji.

"Honestly, it'll be shocking for boxers if a dream that is right in front of us just disappears."
- Childhood dreams -
====================
- Left in limbo -
=================
"Competing at the Olympics is what I dream of. It's a good opportunity because it's going to be held in Tokyo."