I wrote an article yesterday talking about the amateur tournament world series of boxing where the fighters are paid, fight without the usual vest and headguards and the bouts are 5 x 3 minute rounds under a 10 point must system. All very professional like, theirs set to be another new amateur tournament starting next year similar to this. The AIBA president has said this new tournament called the AIBA pro boxing will challenge existing professional governing bodies such as the wbc & wba, and that amateur may soon no longer exist. I'm wondering what everyones opinion is on this are we the fall of amateur boxing?
don't know if these kind of leagues will establish themselves. Overall I regard it as a nice try to reduce the number of shockingly bad decisions in amateur boxing (introducing 10 point system similar to pros will make it harder to win on volumes of mere slaps)
Technically, it could be the end of amateur boxing if things go according to AIBA's plan. I hear they want to rename AMATEUR boxing to AIBA OLYMPIC boxing. Not sure if there is any truth in this? I watched nearly all the WSB last year and to be honest I really enjoyed it. 2 very skilled, equally matched young (usually) boxers displaying skills in a fast paced format. What's not to like? My only worry is that AIBA's intentions seem more about making money than developing the sport. Have you got a link to your article? Cheers
Nah, amateur boxing will always be there, and I can't see it not being an Olympic sport. The changes are there to keep the amateur stars amateur after the main competitions. You usually see a massive turn over after the Olympics or World Championships, not so much this time around. The coming changes will also help boxers adapt to the pro ranks (although that's clearly not AIBA's main goal).
I think at the minute it's a little early to say whether or not WSB will have a huge impact...there aren't that many teams in it, while traditional amateur boxing has worldwide representation. As far as I know, despite the fact that they get paid and wear no headguard or vest, they're still amateurs, and don't forfeit their chance to compete at the Olympics. It could end up as just another amateur title, like how Olympians compete in the world and regional series, or you could find amateurs turning pro from either league; some with a background as an Olympian or world championship titlist, and others who compete in WSB. I think far more damaging is this professional bull**** the AIBA keep going on about. As if we need another 'sanctioning body'.
im not really a fan of amateur boxing but lets not forget amateurs are fighting as young as 12 years old (barrera turned pro at 15!) boxing is a brutal sport and if you jump right into the deepend of professional styled fights you risk serious injury. leave them the way they are
@dealtt_with he has been quoted as saying "the concept of amateur boxing will no longer exist" @richc http://www.boxingnews24.com/2012/11/are-we-seeing-the-fall-of-amateur-boxing/