Cash-strapped British ABA pull out of boxing's world series

Discussion in 'British Boxing Forum' started by zico2010, Jan 3, 2010.


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  1. zico2010

    zico2010 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...pull-out-of-boxings-world-series-1856085.html


    The British Amateur Boxing Association will not be taking up the offer of a London franchise in the revolutionary new World Series tournament due to be launched later this year. I understand that a decision has been taken to pull out largely for financial reasons following the disappointing pre-Olympics shortfall in funding from UK Sport.


    The tournament, backed by AIBA, the sport's international governing body, had required a non-refundable £66,000 deposit by Christmas and BABA feel they cannot afford this in the current economic climate and that entering the series would be too great a financial risk.


    When amateur boxing received only half the anticipated £1.8 million it claimed was needed to prepare properly for an Olympics which now includes women boxers, BABA chairman Derek Mapp said they would need to undertake "exhaustive cuts". The women's programme could be the most affected with plans to hire an overseas coach now abandoned.


    The men's programme will also have to be "revisited" said Mapp. Several aspects of the World Series still have to be formalised and I believe there are doubts that BABA would make money, or break even by entering a London team.


    Two months ago the former sports minister Richard Caborn hosted a reception at the House of Commons where AIBA president Dr C K Wu welcomed the likely inclusion of a London leg in a series based on professional rules, including no headguards or vests, designed to offer young amateur boxers an alternative to the pro ring by awarding substantial six-figure prizemoney.


    Last night an AIBA spokesman declined to comment but BABA's non-participation will be a blow to an event encompassing three continents.
     
    zico2010, Jan 3, 2010
    zico2010, Jan 3, 2010
    #1
  2. BigEars

    BigEars Boxing Addict Full Member

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    The story itself isn't surprising, infact with the way things are it was to be expected.

    However I can't help but laugh at the part I've quoted.
    It's a bit like saying, 'listen guys, we don't want you to go pro, so instead you'll fight in a manner just like a pro, receiving similar rewards to that of a pro, infact you'll be a pro.....except you're working for us....'

    I guess even the amateur game is a business now.
     
    BigEars, Jan 3, 2010
    BigEars, Jan 3, 2010
    #2
  3. Mazallan

    Mazallan ESB yes man Full Member

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    Shame.
     
    Mazallan, Jan 4, 2010
    Mazallan, Jan 4, 2010
    #3
  4. robpalmer135

    robpalmer135 Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    cant see this world series getting of the ground tbh
     
    robpalmer135, Jan 4, 2010
    robpalmer135, Jan 4, 2010
    #4
  5. NO MAS

    NO MAS Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Mar 2, 2009
    This is why TV exposure is so important to the Amateurs...if they have some coverage it could help them no end.

    It is to easy for our top amateurs to turn pro now.
     
    NO MAS, Jan 4, 2010
    NO MAS, Jan 4, 2010
    #5
  6. Bunce

    Bunce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Jun 9, 2008
    I had the nuts and bolts of this sorry and pitiful and predictable little tale on last week's radio show. It took the master blaster of ABA insight Mr.Alan Hubbars to build the total story - I hear some people complain about the lack of 'boxing coverage' in the national newspapers and I have to laugh - Hubbard has had tale after tale after tale of amateur intrigue for about a decade. It's worth a look each Sunday.
    Also, the daily Independent will this year preview and then report on every single British, European, Commonwealth and World title involving a British boxer.

    Adios.
     
    Bunce, Jan 4, 2010
    Bunce, Jan 4, 2010
    #6
  7. Grant1

    Grant1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    That's good news.
     
    Grant1, Jan 4, 2010
    Grant1, Jan 4, 2010
    #7
  8. Tony Bellew

    Tony Bellew Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Feb 26, 2009
    I'll second the above that's very good news for british boxing on a whole!!:good
     
    Tony Bellew, Jan 4, 2010
    Tony Bellew, Jan 4, 2010
    #8
  9. Beeston Brawler

    Beeston Brawler Comical Ali-egedly Full Member

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    Jan 9, 2008
    Perhaps the senior executives at the BABA ought to work harder to secure sponsorship in order to make up the shortfall?

    What is it about the governing bodies of amateur sports, being so amateur, in every sense of the word?

    It was rugby union in the 80's, athletics in the 90's, and now boxing.

    Bloody joke!
     
    Beeston Brawler, Jan 4, 2010
    Beeston Brawler, Jan 4, 2010
    #9
  10. Tony Bellew

    Tony Bellew Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Too busy lineing there own pockets. I was on the GB team for long enough and the head coach at the time was on 3 times more than the top earning boxer!! FACT!! 5 times more than others on the team such as DeGale,Myself,Danny and Jaffa!! All they were bothered about was making a quick buck!!

    It'll be good to see someone come in who's not just in it for the money say Woodhall,McCracken someone of that mould!! They've been there seen it and got the t-shirt!! If Richie would have stayed when he first got appointed then he'd be an established international coach by now BUT instead the coch at the time didn't think it was appropriate!!:-(

    The GB squad is in a rebuliding stage at the min I feel, Maybe missing out on the world thing is a blessing anyway..;)
     
    Tony Bellew, Jan 4, 2010
    Tony Bellew, Jan 4, 2010
    #10
  11. achillesthegreat

    achillesthegreat FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE Full Member

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    Amazing.
     
    achillesthegreat, Jan 4, 2010
    achillesthegreat, Jan 4, 2010
    #11
  12. Beeston Brawler

    Beeston Brawler Comical Ali-egedly Full Member

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    I didn't think amateur sportsmen were supposed to earn money..... they did it for the love of their chosen sport ;)
     
    Beeston Brawler, Jan 4, 2010
    Beeston Brawler, Jan 4, 2010
    #12
  13. scrap

    scrap Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Remember the 60s with the Amatuers. For the Aba semis at Belle Vue Machester they Had big crowds and the Finals at Wembley was packed. Things have certainly changed.
     
    scrap, Jan 5, 2010
    scrap, Jan 5, 2010
    #13
  14. MagicMan91

    MagicMan91 The Main Event Mafia Full Member

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    Great news Buncey :good
     
    MagicMan91, Jan 5, 2010
    MagicMan91, Jan 5, 2010
    #14
  15. brown bomber

    brown bomber 2010 Poster of the Year Full Member

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    Could be a good idea this.... Intermediate boxing would be good for both sports.
     
    brown bomber, Jan 5, 2010
    brown bomber, Jan 5, 2010
    #15
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