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An outstanding South Australian boxer could have been wearing the green and gold at the Paris Olympics if it wasn't for the state's laws against same-sex couples adopting children before 2017.

Lightweight prodigy Fred Zziwa, 26, has become one of the most feared boxers in the country due to his speed and power, and the Uganda-born athlete planned to showcase his skills at the 2024 Olympics in July.

However, Zziwa's adoptive Aussie mother, Melina Mayne, is a lesbian and legislation in South Australia before 2017 prevented same sex couples from legally adopting.

Zziwa was forced to get a series of temporary visas while living in Victor Harbour, South Australia, and because of the delay in adoption he hasn't been able to get citizenship and cannot qualify for the Paris Games.