J_Potter wrote:Good topic. First of all, I am kiwi living in Auckland, so I guess my view points in this thread are pretty neutral.
It does appear that having more than one (3 in Aust. case) amateur governing body would seem to hurt the sport. I am sure you would agree that having a unified body, or if the rules of AIBA accredited (Boxing Aust.) body allowed inclusion of members from other bodies, this would only strengthen Australian amateur boxing and therefore increase chance at world and Olympic success, which funny enough is I imagine would be one of the main objectives of Boxing Australia.
I am probably not to qualified to make to much judgment as I am not to educated on the politics of boxing within Australia. I do intend to do some research on the topic when I have some time of course ( I am suppose to be studying for 3 exams for uni next week) but I can only imagine that the current political environment came about from frustration and lack of ability maybe of the original governing body ( I assume Boxing Aust. But I could be wrong?). However if this was the case, the formation of other governing bodies such as the league has probably had the very unintended consequence of limiting international Aussie amateur success.
Although, it does seem that the AIS sponsorship program for boxing has worked very well for Boxing Aust.(some would argue not!) since its inception, and it would seem a real shame that the program and Australia has not have full access to the amateur boxing pool.
I can see the argument from Boxing Aust. point of view. AIBA policy is to ensure that boxers are amateur, and have not fought pro at any stage in their career, amongst other rule conflict, and allowing inclusion of boxers from other governing bodies may risk control of this fundamental rule. Does anyone know if the League or Global have this same policy and strictly adhere to it? I know Boxing NZ have always been very stringent in regards to this over the time.
Boxing NZ is the only amateur governing body in New Zealand, although it is known that 'rebel' tournaments are held with unregistered boxers take place from time to time. Interesting though, which could be applicable to this thread and the topic of Boxing Aust. allowing boxers of other bodies to also become members, is Boxing NZ recent relaxation of attitude of allowing kickboxers to compete in Amateur boxing fights. Up until recently, it was a strict no no that kickboxers could be seen to be associated with amateur boxing, let alone be allowed to register and compete!
Even though this has probably ruffled a few feathers of the old guard, from a boxers point of view, at least I have got a couple of extra fights out of it! I still have a small concern that there could be a loss of control of ensuring 'amateur status' integrity though.
Something off the topic, I see that someone has posted that Fletcher is not attending the worlds due to injury. What a blow! mind you, the worlds was always going to a long shot for any Australians. Anyone know what his injury is and how long he is likely to be out for? Hopefully not too long as he by far Austrlaias best chance for Olympics next year.
I see that Mahoney had a good win first up -RSCOS RD2
regards
JP
To answer your question about the ameteur status and identifying and keeping pros out, I have only had involvement with the League and ameteurs are ameteurs and once a fighter turns pro thats it.
A sticking point between the Boxing Aust. and League is that an ameteuyr trainer can hold a professional judge and ref ticket. So in FNQ many of the ameteur trainers are licenced as pro judges and they judge the few bouts we have up north - with the other necessary officals for a pro match.
Some tariners have ameteurs that have turned pro and they continue to train the ametuers and pros at the same time and place.
I personally dont see the problem, but I believe according to international/Olympic rules for ameteur boxing the pros and ameteurs must be seperated and a trianer must wrk with one or the other not both?
Ross
With all the State's holding their State Title's recently and picking their teams for the Australian Titles to be held in December and the World Amatuer Championship being held in Chicago at present, I Thought it might be a good time to start an Aussie Amateur thread and that it would be interesting to hear some view's / opinion's on any Amateur Boxer's 
