In a controversial move, the member nations of the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) have voted in favour of allowing professional boxers to compete in the Olympic Games for the first time. The decision takes effect immediately, meaning that professional boxers may compete in the Rio Olympics this summer.
AIBA is the last of the summer Olympic Federations to amend its rules, meaning that all 28 summer Olympic sports are now open to professional athletes.
The news has not been welcomed by many in the professional ranks of the sport, who have cited serious safety concerns regarding pitting seasoned fighters against novice amateurs. Ex-professionals from Ricky Hatton to Mike Tyson have expressed strong criticism of the decision and the World Boxing Council (WBC) has even threatened a two-year ban from its sanctioned fights for any boxer taking part in the Olympics.
