On Wednesday, the AIBA board voted in an overwhelming fashion allowing professional boxers to compete in the upcoming Rio Olympics if they meet the AIBA qualifying rules.
First to oppose the ruling are professional boxing promoters, who claim that it would be dangerous for amateur boxers to fight seasoned prize fighters because of their inherent advantage over amateur boxers.
Bob Arum, who promotes eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao said boxers could be seriously hurt if the plan pushes through.
“To have guys who are experienced professional fighters against these amateurs, you’re looking at serious, serious injuries. It’s total madness,” Arum told AFP in Hong Kong.
“This is not like basketball where all you do is lose, a guy dunks over you, or baseball or other sports like that. This is a hard sport and guys can get hurt. Arum explained.
“Imagine putting in a 147lb kid novice from Nigeria, who could be a great prospect, with Manny Pacquiao? It’s ludicrous. It’s silly.” he added.
Pacquiao, who retired from professional boxing following his trilogy fight against Timothy Bradley last April 9, has entertained the idea of competing in the Rio Olympics in an effort to win a gold medal for his country but eventually decided to abort the plan to give more time for his legislative work.
Pacquiao has recently been proclaimed senator-elect after serving two terms as representative of the lone district of Sarangani province in Southern Philippines.
Arum’s opposition to the AIBA ruling was shared by other promoters as well as officials of sanctioning bodies including World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman, who was “horrified” by the AIBA ruling.
“The way AIBA has brought down boxing to the lowest level is embarrassing because it is very unsafe,” Sulaiman said.
“Can you imagine a WBC world champion or a fighter that has been competing professionally fighting against these kids that usually participate in the Olympics? It will be harmful and dangerous,” he added.
On the part of professional boxers, multi-awarded boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., said it is a crime to put amateur fighters in front of pro fighters as it will endanger the life of a rookie.
“Professional versus amateur boxers is a real crime. It is attacking the very roots of boxing. It endangers the lives and careers of young talented [amateur boxers.”
Former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes for his part said it isn’t right especially with the ruling that amateur boxers can now fight without the use of headgear.
“Amateurs should not fight professionals. It won’t be a fair fight. I would not do it. Removing the headgear from amateurs is a huge mistake. The idea is to make boxing safer, not to let them get hurt due to commercial interests.”
Here’s what other boxers say about the recent AIBA ruling.
4such a unanimous vote by @AIBA_Boxing to allow pro boxers n2the @Olympics, I MUST be missing something. Do they know something I don't?
— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) June 2, 2016
The way it's going Olympic boxing is gonna be a pro sport by 2020 Olympics…don't try and repair something that isn't broken. #Olympics
— Gary William® (@_GaryWilliam_) June 1, 2016
Pro boxers no eligible to box at the Rio olympics is Absolutely ridiculous. There is no point in amateur boxing from now on.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorBoxer) June 1, 2016
