Page 1 of 1
Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 20:53
by Wales
I've heard a lot of people, who I agree with, complain about the inclusion of pro boxers in the Olympics. As it happens their inclusion so close to this year's olympics came too soon for any top fighters to enter. In truth the only pros there, almost all, won't beat the top amateurs anyway.
However...
I assumed this was a decision made by the Olympic committee and frowned upon by everyone, to a man, involved in amateur boxing. Certainly everyone ive spoke to involved in the amateur game disagreed. Did you think the same?
What I didn't realise, and isn't well documented, is the AIBA actually supported the change and set up the ABP, an acronym for AIBA Professional Boxing. After its creation ABP was granted two slots per weight division for Olympic qualification, and is described as " a merit-based ranking system in Pro Boxing".
I'm astound that AIBA were involved / instrumental in the addition of pro fighters in the Olympics and can only assume it's driven by the dollar bills involved.
The Olympics is the pinnacle of amateur boxing, a springboard to pro success. Why have AIBA not pushed against the inclusion of pro fighters, professional associations have.... The biggest of all, the WBC have.
I think the decision was deliberately late for Rio, ensuring top pros didn't have time to qualify while getting fans accustomed to fact they could. 2020 could see more, and higher profile pros involved.
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 20:55
by Wales
AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) is an unprecedented, top-class Pro Boxing competition based on individual rankings and introduced by AIBA to showcase the best features of Pro Boxing.The pre-ranking phase, which runs through to January 31 2015, will identify authentic champions in each weight category. For the first time in history, boxing fans will witness a comprehensive, merit-based ranking system in Pro Boxing. In March 2015, the APB program will have its grand opening with the first cycle of competition between these ranked boxers.
At the same time, Rio 2016 will be the first Olympic Games that allows pro boxers to compete. The only way pro boxers can qualify for the Olympic Games in 2016 is the APB competition, which is fully supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The qualification path to the Games will be through competing in the APB program from its launch in 2014 until the APB Olympic Qualifying Events in 2015.
Based on the rankings decided by the seven members of the APB Boxers’ Selection and Ranking Committee, a shortlist of 120 boxers was whittled down to 80 boxers who initially compete twice over six rounds of three minutes to establish world rankings in each of the ten weight categories. Then, based on these world rankings, each boxer again fights at least three times over six rounds in the Matches for Champions, with those successful pitted against each other to challenge for the title of APB World Champion, contested over eight rounds.
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 23:36
by Realistic
No amateur boxing anymore AIBA dropped all mention of it. 75% of London Boxing clubs voted at their AGM to break away from ABA England, Is it going to be a repeat of the Welsh breakaway of the late 90s?
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 07 Aug 2016, 23:50
by Wales
What's driver behind 75% wanting to leave.
On a personal level North Wales boxing clubs should rally and do something similar. Current regime run by a dinosaur who's doing what he always did because that's what he's always done.
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 01:48
by coneye
Money Money Money ,,, Its all about the MONEY ..... lOTS OF MONEY AROUND IN THE PRO'S .. lOTS of blazer wearing , clipboard carrying officials , who see themselves as the next Sulliman around ,, and they want a peice of the MONEY MONEY MONEY .
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 07:58
by bripez
What is a pro ?
The full GB squad are full-time athletes who receive government funding via the Lottery.
How many of the squad qualified via WSB ? - fully funded / paid full-time boxers taking part in 5 round contests without vests, how more "pro" can you get than that ?
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 10:50
by BrackaBarclay
There's a lot of money in boxing and the AIBA want some of it. They tried the WSB but it hasn't delivered enough cash. As I understand the AIBA is largely controlled by nations who are susceptible (spell?) to corruption.
I can see a situation where the AIBA launch their own pro league and have the top former amateurs under their banner.
Re: Didn't realise AIBA supported pros in olympics
Posted: 08 Aug 2016, 18:54
by Boxing Prospect
BrackaBarclay wrote:There's a lot of money in boxing and the AIBA want some of it. They tried the WSB but it hasn't delivered enough cash. As I understand the AIBA is largely controlled by nations who are susceptible (spell?) to corruption.
I can see a situation where the AIBA launch their own pro league and have the top former amateurs under their banner.
...you mean like the APB?