AIBA Avoids Blows from Critic, Stands United

(ATR) Members of the International Boxing Association reiterate their support for AIBA president C.K. Wu amid accusations raised by former executive director Ho Kim.

The 201 national federations that comprise AIBA swept aside those concerns during an extraordinary congress in Montreux, Switzerland. The special congress was preceded by an executive committee meeting where AIBA’s leaders showed unity with their embattled president.

"I want to express my deep satisfaction with today’s spirit and sharing of information and our support for President Wu," said AIBA vice president Franco Falcinelli.

"During the last 10 years we have believed in the President and his integrity, and anything that may damage the institution of AIBA we must face together. We will continue to help our President and to work as one for the good of boxing."

Wu reiterated the support he maintains following Tuesday’s special congress.

"This has been a remarkable, at times challenging year, but I can say without question that AIBA is finishing 2016 stronger and more unified than ever, and will continue implementing reforms that will reaffirm the integrity of our sport and build towards Tokyo 2020," said Wu.

Tuesday’s special congress provided none of the shockwaves that were anticipated as no decisions were taken regarding the accusations by Kim or reports of a delayed payment to AIBA by the IOC.

AIBA says its finances are strong and that changes to its judging procedures will be widely accepted.

Kim, who was fired in 2015 by Wu citing a staff revolt, issued a 16-page letter last week that says Wu had knowledge of a $10 million loan from an Azerbaijan company to help set up the World Series of Boxing franchise in the U.S.

A 2015 report by PwC showed that several million dollars of the loan could not be accounted for in AIBA’s books and was never repaid. The report questioned the chain of command at AIBA and suggested that Swiss laws could have been broken.

The IOC is also concerned about the governance of the federation and delayed a $6 million payment to AIBA as its share of Rio 2016 television revenues. IOC president Thomas Bach met with Wu ahead of the AIBA executive committee meeting on Dec.19 to ensure that the federation is moving in the right direction.

The payment was originally due in November but Around the Rings understands that the funds are now expected to be delivered by the end of the year following AIBA’s approval of changes to its judging procedures.

Kim tells Around the Rings he will proceed with his accusations against the AIBA president. AIBA is also contemplating legal action against Kim.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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