Just read the article in The Guardian that professional boxers who aren't under contract with AIBA are allowed to take part in the 2016 Olympics. Article : http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/24/professional-boxers-eligible-rio-olympics?CMP=share_btn_tw I personally don't think it's a good idea, but boxing is the only sport where pro's are not allowed to take part in the Olympics.
Don't agree with it to be honest; there's too many things that could go wrong with it. I suppose in an ideal world if every top boxer took part they wouldn't be able to duck each other, and so maybe we would find out who the best was? But overall I think it would stifle the amateur and youth scene terribly.
I'm excited about it regardless. We can see great match-ups so I'm not complaining. I want to see how Julio Cesar La Cruz would perform against the current pro crop for example. Professional boxers will need to adjust their point scoring strategies accordingly to fewer rounds, and readjust for 12 rounders...also they will have to fight cleaner.
What top pro is going to go to the Olympics to fight for a medal and get paid nothing?? There hasn't been "amateur" boxing at the highest level in years. All the top guys at the Olympics fight in the WSB and the APB, both pay per fight events. The fighters are often paid grants by their government to train, and none of them have other jobs. They're all full time athletes.
