Professional Boxers Allowed to Participate at 2016 Rio Olympics After AIBA Vote

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has voted in favour of allowing professional fighters to compete at the Olympics, starting with this summer's Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

BBC Sport confirmed the outcome of the ballot on Wednesday. Steve Wilson of the Associated Press provided further details of how members voted:

Per Wilson, the result means the 2016 games will be the first time in 32 years that male boxers will not wear protective headgear at the Olympics.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu thinks the result is a positive one for the sport. “This is a key part of my master plan and is a big step forward,” he said, per Nick Butler of Inside the Games. “At this stage, it is difficult to say how many professionals will compete in Rio. But there will be some. They will all have to go through the qualification system.”

Former unified WBA (Super) and IBF super-bantamweight champion Carl Frampton was unhappy with the result, as was former welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton:

The plans were revealed earlier in the year and met with plenty of criticism from illustrious figures associated with the sport. Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson labelled the plans as “ridiculous,” while his former divisional rival Lennox Lewis said the suggestions were “preposterous,” per BBC Sport.

Legendary promoter Bob Arum also expressed his disapproval at the plans, per ESPN’s Dan Rafael:

Wu has outlined his motivation for the changes in the past, stating “we want the best boxers to come to the Olympic Games,” per Andy Charles of Sky Sports.

It’s a decision that’s likely to trigger more criticism. The Olympics has long been a prestigious event for amateurs, allowing them to showcase natural boxing talent and the sport in its purest form. It’s also given fight fans a glimpse into future stars of the professional arena; the likes of Muhammad Ali, Ray Leonard, Oscar de la Hoya and Lewis all won gold at the showpiece.

JACK GUEZ/Getty Images

Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn is not expecting to see many professional fighters from Great Britain take part, though, with national federations set to have the ultimate say on eligibility:

While the biggest names in the sport will add glamour to the event, seasoned fighters up against amateur competitors is likely to create mismatches. As such, there may be less tight bouts than usual.

Indeed, worries about safety are also relevant should a world champion come up against a younger competitor seeking to make their way in the amateur game, especially given there will be no headguards worn by the competitors. 

The Olympic boxing events will get underway in Brazil on August 6 this summer at Riocentro.