AIBA RESPONDS TO CRITICISM OF PLAN TO ALLOW PRO BOXERS TO COMPETE IN OLYMPICS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 20 Jun 2013
Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.
The International Amateur Boxing Association and the International Olympic Committee have both responded to widespread criticism of the plan of AIBA president Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu and executive director Ho Kim to allow professional boxers to compete in the Olympic Games beginning 2016.
Regrettably due to an oversight we failed to see the response of AIBA?s PR and Communications Director Sebastien Gillot to our query regarding the AIBA?s response to the European Boxing Union?s stand against the plan to allow professional fighters to compete in the Olympic Games.
The AIBA stated ?please take note that the only European Boxing Confederation recognized by AIBA is the EUBC, not the European Boxing Union. Generally speaking on the participation of AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) boxers in the Rio 2016 Olymoiuc Games, following on the allegations of the World Boxing Council and its President Mr.Jose Sulaiman, the International Olympic Committee has made clear that AIBA is the only governing body of the sport of boxing that it recognizes worldwide.?
The AIBA PR and Communications Director added that ?the qualification process for AIBA Open Boxing (AOB), World Series of Boxing (WSB) and AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) BOXERS FOR THE Rio Olympic Games will be discussed and agreed between the IOC and AIBA early in 2014.?
The AIBA position was ratified by the IOC in response to a query we sent to President Jacques Rogge in the face of growing criticism from several international boxing organizations, the latest being the World Boxing Association in which secretary general Gilberto Mendoza said he ?fully agrees with the WBC on AIBA interference with professional boxing? and added that the WBA will support any action to protect the sport.?
In a statement sent to The Standard, the IOC Media Relations Team said ?As far as the IOC is concerned, AIBA is fully independent as outlined in the Olympic Charter. But they will have to present their new eligibility conditions prior to Rio 2016, just as they did prior to London 2012 with regard to the participation of WSB boxers.?
Despite WBC president Sulaiman?s insistence that the IOC did not respond to his letter to president Rogge, the IOC claimed they ?responded to the WBC on 12 April and we have no further comment on the matter.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Unification WBA & IBA Pro title fight Albert Batyrgaziev vs James Dickens to crown boxing show in Istanbul on 2 July
Fri, 13 Jun 2025How the Ring's P4P Ranking Has Strayed from the Norms of Nat and Nigel
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 13 Jun 2025FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM HITCHINS VS. KAMBOSOS JR
Fri, 13 Jun 2025MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS UNVEILS REMAINING PRELIMINARY CARD BOUTS FOR JAKE PAUL VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.
Fri, 13 Jun 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier: Leading Philippine Softball’s Unstoppable Rise to International Dominance
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 13 Jun 2025Team USA Sends Seven Boxers to the Medal Rounds Thursday at World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025
Fri, 13 Jun 2025Jerusalem, Taduran 1-2 at Minimumweight; Llover Enters Bantam in Ring's Latest Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 13 Jun 2025July 26: Rohan Polanco-Quinton Randall Welterweight Showdown Tops Xander Zayas-Jorge Garcia Undercard at The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Fri, 13 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Weekend at the International Boxing Hall Of Fame
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 12 Jun 2025Nonito Donaire to fight again, faces Campos on June 14
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 12 Jun 2025Cabalquinto Set to Face Australian Balla on Maniatis Card
Thu, 12 Jun 2025Rene Camacho, Jajaira Gonzalez Capture Wins on Day One of World Boxing Challenge Grand Prix Usti Nad Labem 2025
Thu, 12 Jun 2025COLLISION COURSE IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY! FLORES VS. CHAVEZ TO HEADLINE JULY 24 EDITION OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT
Thu, 12 Jun 2025Indiana Sets Pace Again in 116-107 Win over OKC; Takes 2-1 Series Lead at Home
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 12 Jun 2025Cabalquinto to fight in Australia on June 13
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 12 Jun 2025