Rival Bodies Attack AIBA Pro Boxing

(ATR) AIBA is hitting back at rival boxing organizations following their push back on a plan allowing professionals to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Chief among the critics of AIBA Pro Boxing, which launches later this year, are President Jose Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, which has 163 member countries and is headquartered in Mexico, as well as President Joseph Dwyer of the North American Boxing Federation, which is one of the WBC’s nine regional governing bodies.

"Amateur boxing needs support from all the countries of the world and should not be put aside, like AIBA is allegedly doing at the Olympic Games," the NABF says in a statement.

"All the under-developed countries would be at a distinct disadvantage, as well as being exposed to safety issues inherent in the sport of boxing. In boxing, athletes punch each other and might get hurt if a non-experienced boxer is fighting against a professional."

Regional bodies for Europe and Asia are also echoing the NABF’s protests.

AIBA, however, argues the premise of APB and other such "innovative career opportunities" like the World Series of Boxing is, in fact, to protect boxers throughout their entire careers.

"APB provides boxers with a transparent development path, protection and financial stability," AIBA tells Around the Rings.

"Boxers will compete at pro level while retaining their Olympic eligibility and keeping the insurance and pension support from their National Federations."

AIBA adds: "Following on the allegations of the World Boxing Council and its President Mr. Jose Sulaiman, the IOC has made clear that AIBA is the only governing body of the sport of boxing that it recognizes worldwide."

AIBA and the IOC will agree early next year on a process by which APB, World Series of Boxing and AIBA Open Boxing athletes can qualify for Rio 2016.

Written by Matthew Grayson

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