Why can't countries send pro boxers to the Olympics?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by Capt, Jul 25, 2013.

  1. Capt

    Capt Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Ever wondered why we can’t send professional boxers to the Olympics to represent their country in boxing.
     
  2. Vyborg1917

    Vyborg1917 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Up to the usual lofty ESB standards.
     
  3. Stylez G.

    Stylez G. Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Unlike many other sports, boxing doesn't have many widely viewed platforms for amatuer athletes. The olympics has traditionaly been the main platform to introduce the top amatuer boxers to the general public. It's a great way for many of them to hit the ground running in concern to their pro careers. Furthermore, boxing is a year round sport that is physically very taxing. I'm not sure why pro boxers would want to put their pro careers on hold in order to take more punishment for free.
     
  4. Bonafide

    Bonafide Rock Star Full Member

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    agreed
     
  5. beast boxer

    beast boxer Well-Known Member Full Member

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    tradition
     
  6. Zombieguy

    Zombieguy Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Boxers make way too much money from potential fights during that time to compete in the olympics for free.
     
  7. CHEF

    CHEF Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    there has been talk about pros can enter next Olympics. Basically all sports lets pros in.... why not boxing. it could lead to some dream match ups
     
  8. kommieforniaglo

    kommieforniaglo Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Where would the coin come in to Bankroll the Mega bouts??



    Endorsements??
     
  9. Scar

    Scar VIP Member Full Member

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    There have been talks about professional boxers being able to participate in the olympics, not sure if it's confirmed/allowed. That said, Audley Harrison's career should be back in full farce.
     
  10. Koba

    Koba Whimsical Inactivisist Full Member

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    It's only in the last coupla decades that pros from any sport have been allowed to compete, and thats kinda happened slowly (I think anyway, I've not bothered to Google it but that's the impression I've got over the last 5 or 6 'lympics). I imagine that it will be happening before long, specially given the moves by AIBA regarding Scoring, APB and suggestions that the headwear might be going.

    But there's still thousands of lifelong ams out there who should be considered too. It's actually pretty complicated, cos the intensity of the schedule would make a massive change for most pro fighters - injury and exhaustion could potentially take a large toll, which could be unacceptable for pros who need to make sure they can earn a living afterwards.

    Is Wlad still talking 'bout 2016 Chef? If it's integrated wisely, I wouldn't expect it 'til 2020 - but AIBA seem pretty keen to make a splash at the moment, so the big guy might be in luck.;)
     
  11. Stinky gloves

    Stinky gloves Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    greed

    imagine if FLoyd would be knocked out by some unknown Amateur ...
    he would drop his p4p status instantly without cashing a single $$$
    5C would attempt a suicide and Ellerbe would fill out the divorce papers
     
  12. CHEF

    CHEF Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    sponsors im sure... but you would be surprised at how an athlete would compete for far less than they get on the everyday level for a chance to compete and win for their country

    look at all the basketball players... they get paid far far less for the olympics yet they ALL want a chance to get a gold.

    I think it could work and might be awesome... a tournament for every weight class every 4 years... awesome
     
  13. CHEF

    CHEF Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    yes
     
  14. CHEF

    CHEF Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    not true.... all they have to do is keep the games and results OUT of the p4p or world rankings... it could be worked out
     
  15. HeavyT

    HeavyT Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Should keep it to AMS, or novice unranked pros.