Canelo Alvarez knocks out Amir Khan last
month in Las Vegas for WBC middleweight title
The AIBA has issued a ruling allowing professional boxers to
compete at the Olympics. A number of high profile boxers are
against the decision, labeling it dangerous, while a few
pugilists, such as Manny Pacquiao and Wladimir Klitschko
are in favor of it. Professional boxers have a huge
advantage over amateur boxers. As stated in the column
previously, when you look at the videos of a boxer during
his amateur days, compared to his professional career, about
20 fights in, you will see a significant difference and
improvement.
Boxer Amir Khan who was born, raised and lives in Britain,
wants to fight for his father's native Pakistan at the
Olympics. The Pakistani Olympic committee is excited about
the news. However, as some have pointed out, Khan may not be
eligible. Years prior, Khan's brother, Haroon, fought for
Britain at the Olympics and later tried to represent
Pakistan. He was declined due to Olympic rules. Britain has
done a lot for Khan. No disrespect to Pakistan, but if he is
to go to the Olympics, Khan should fight for Britain.
Britain currently has 13 world champions and would have a
massive advantage if they sent their professional pugilists
to the Rio Olympics in Brazil. However, based on a statement
online, the British Olympic committee does not seem to be in
favor of sending their professional boxers, wanting to give
the amateurs a chance.
STORY SOURCE
AIBA decides to allow Pro boxers at Olympics
AIBA decides to allow Pro boxers at Olympics
IANS | Lausanne (Switzerland) June 1, 2016
Last Updated at 17:00 IST - Participation of Indian boxers
in Rio Olympics at stake after AIBA warns India Two Ugandan
boxers qualify for Rio Olympics Vikas Krishan all set for
AIBA Pro Boxing debut Olympics dream over for boxers.
Mary
Kom, Sarita (Roundup) Male boxers will not wear protective
headguards at Rio Olympics
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh has been
handed a golden chance to represent the country at the Rio
Olympics after the International Boxing Association (AIBA)
confirmed on Wednesday that professional pugilists will be
allowed to compete at the quadrennial extravaganza.
In a
vote on Wednesday, 84 of the 88 member-federations of the
AIBA approved a rule change allowing professional boxers to
compete at the Olympics. AIBA chief Ching-Kuo Wu informed
the media that a total of 26 Olympic berths across all
weight categories will be up for grabs at a qualifying
tournament for professional boxers to be held in Venezuela
next month...
http://www.business-standard.com
Amir Khan keen to represent Pakistan at Olympic Games in Rio
Amir Khan keen to represent Pakistan at Olympic Games in Rio
Last Updated: 01/06/16 4:14pm - Khan's
comments came after the International Boxing Association (AIBA)
announced on Wednesday that professional boxers would be
allowed to compete in Brazil this summer.
Khan subsequently turned professional and in 2009
outpointed Andriy Kotelnik to win the WBA world
super-lightweight title.
The 29-year-old - whose most recent fight
ended in a brutal knockout defeat to WBC middleweight
champion Saúl Álvarez - hailed the ruling by boxing's
governing body. "It's a decision which I welcome," Khan said
at a press conference in Karachi. Khan represented Great
Britain at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
"It will help boxers and if I am permitted
as per rules and from my promoter then I would love to
compete for Pakistan. I will be very happy if I can compete
in the Olympics. I want to serve Pakistan." Khan's father,
Shah, hails from a village close to the capital Islamabad
but migrated to Britain, where Amir was born in 1986.
Pakistan Boxing Federation secretary Iqbal
Hussain said he was thrilled at the prospect of Khan
representing the country. "I have to check the rules whether
Amir can compete or not but it would be a huge boost for us
if it happens because he is our hero," he said. Khan's
younger brother, Haroon, was blocked from representing
Pakistan at the 2012 London Olympics as he had represented
Great Britain at junior level.
