The International Amateur Boxing Association wants professionals to compete at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The AIBA intends changing Olympic eligibility rules to enable professional boxers to compete in Brazil. AIBA president Wu Ching-Kuo said in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Wednesday the organisation aimed to launch and market a global professional programme in 2013. Wu said professional boxers could join in the first year and regain Olympic eligibility. He feels better financial prospects and potential Olympic medals would help "enlightening the lives and dreams of many boxers". AIBA relaxed strict rules last year by creating the 12-city World Series Boxing competition, in which amateurs were paid to fight. Wu wants to make AIBA boxing's "true and respected leader." However, the AIBA's plans could clash with sanctioning bodies such as the WBC and WBA
I mean if that’s the case then the promotion of it is a bit tabloid. Ok WSB style fighters can challenge Ali for their title like Stevenson but Wladimir Klitschko can’t go back and win a second medal?
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic...-add-pro-boxers-at-2016-rio-olympics/6271332/ It is all about the dollar bill
surely that cant be possible! why stay amateur when the dream of an amateur fighter is to go to the olympics, may aswell turn pro
Yea but only AIBA pros though. With exhibitions......... Mike Tyson could never win the WSB belt or go back to the amateurs.
Olympic scoring is fine though......... it’s not impossible to learn how to sit down on your punches and the Olympics isn’t the only open tournament. It’s not like you’ll get screwed in every tournament. And even if you don’t win anything... become a Hopkins.
Pro footballers and tennis players compete in the Olympics. Was only a matter of time before pro boxers would be allowed.