MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Leading professional boxers could be eligible to compete in this year’s Olympics under proposals put forward by the sport’s world governing body.
Introducing rules to open Olympic tournaments to all boxers was discussed by the International Boxing Association during meetings in Manchester this week.
AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu said after the meeting that the proposal could be ratified within months, potentially in time for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August.
“We want the best boxers to come to the Olympic Games,” Wu told Britain’s Press Association, adding that it was “absolutely possible” the changes could be made in time for the Rio Games.
AIBA said the idea was being proposed to national federations. It must then be ratified by AIBA’s executive commission.