Like all Olympic boxing events, the competition was a straight single-elimination tournament. This event consisted of 27 boxers who have qualified for the competition through various tournaments held in 2003 and 2004.[1] The competition began with a preliminary round on 17 August, where the number of competitors was reduced to 16, and concluded with the final on 29 August.[2] As there were fewer than 32 boxers in the competition, a number of boxers received a bye through the preliminary round. Both semi-final losers were awarded bronze medals.
