The men's lightweight boxing event at the 2020 Summer Olympics is scheduled to take place between 25 July and 8 August 2021 at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan.

The 2016 Olympic champion, Robson Conceição of Brazil, turned professional and did not attempt to qualify.

A National Olympic Committee (NOC) could enter only 1 qualified boxer in the weight class.

There were 28 quota places available for the men's lightweight, allocated as follows:[2] In addition, an invitation for the Refugee Olympic Team was made to Wessam Salamana, bringing the total number of boxers in the weight class to 29.

Judges consider "number of blows landed on the target areas, domination of the bout, technique and tactical superiority and competitiveness."