The ABA May Make A London Franchise for World Series Boxing

SkillspayBills · Sep 24, 2012

Just saw this and thought i'd post for you lot in case you haven't seen it..

http://www1.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/8106434/London-may-join-World-Series

The British Amateur Boxing Association is in talks over setting up a London-based franchise in the World Series of Boxing.
The global team event kicks off its third season in November and a provisional London team was included in Sunday's draw, where it was placed in Group B.

The move could provide Great Britain's Olympic medal winners with a financial alternative to turning professional with all WSB boxers, whilst becoming centrally contracted to the organisation, receiving individual offers.
Six Irish boxers have already been drafted for next season's competition and their Olympic silver medallists John Joe Nevin and Ken Egan have previously competed for teams in Paris and Miami.

No British boxers have entered the draft stage yet, and there is no guarantee that they would fight for a prospective London team, as all franchises are run as strictly international entities.
Great Britain have been wary of committing their fighters to the competition in the past, citing schedule concerns in the build-up to London 2012, and the financial implications of launching a franchise.
But officials are aware a WSB team could both convince some top stars to stay amateur and boost hopes of a bigger contingent of qualifiers for Rio 2016, with more qualifying places made available to WSB-contracted boxers which could include super-heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
BABA chairman Derek Mapp said: "We have always been supportive of the ideals that underpin WSB. We recognise its potential to deliver alternative career options for young boxers and are keen to pursue this opportunity."
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GladiatoR · Sep 24, 2012

Wouldn't want it to happen, don't want to lose some of our best amateurs* to a format like this.

*Luke Campbell is certainly suited to the AMs, so wouldn't mind seeing him stay.

Do you know who was in the provisional team?

SkillspayBills · Sep 24, 2012

Nah i don't know about the provisonal team, I think this is a last gasp attempt to keep Olympians in the system. As you say i'd prefer them to turn it down..

But on the whole i like the idea to have a London Franchise, would like to go to some of the shows etc.

Matt Ldn · Sep 24, 2012

I really don't understand this whole thing. It seems like a very ill thought out way of profiting from AM boxing. I want to see how it unfolds as it could end up affecting boxing in a range of ways depending on how popular it is etc.

DrMo · Sep 24, 2012

The WSB is perfect for countries without much boxing infrastructure & tradition, it helps develop amatuers in an environment a little closer to the pros.

The team GB lads are already on good money & have plently of pros to spar with, I dont really see the need for a WSB team in London but it would be good to see our lads against other top ams without the vests & headguards.

When it 1st started Barry Hearns said it wouldnt make money & would require massive subsidies, I'm not sure that's changed at all. Does anyone know anything about the APB league that AIBA were banging on about after the Olympics?

John Sitton · Sep 24, 2012

Semi pro?. Scrap the headguards and get back to days when my generation boxed. Proper fighting!.

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