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Professional boxers could be cleared to compete in Olympics

February 24, 2016

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Professional boxers could be eligible to compete in this year’s Olympics under proposals put forward by the sport’s world governing body.

Scrapping rules that restricted Olympic boxing to amateur fighters was discussed by the International Boxing Association during meetings in Manchester this week.

AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu said after the meeting that the proposal could be ratified within months, potentially in time for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August.

Wu told Britain’s Press Association: “We want the best boxers to come to the Olympic Games.” He said it was “absolutely possible” that changes could be made in time for the Rio Games.

Proposals must be ratified by AIBA’s executive commission.