Like all Olympic boxing events, the competition followed a straight single-elimination format.

The event featured 28 boxers who qualified through various tournaments held in 2003 and 2004.

[2] Since there were fewer than 32 competitors, some boxers received a bye through the preliminary round.

Both semi-final losers were awarded bronze medals, in accordance with Olympic boxing rules.

The winner of the bout was the boxer who landed the most valid punches by the end of the match.