WBC will ban top fighters if they compete in the Olympics
Wednesday 16 March 2016 18:41, UK
The World Boxing Council has announced they will suspend any of their champions or top contenders if they fight in the Olympics.
Professional boxers could chase gold in Rio this summer under radical plans proposed by the sport's ruling body the AIBA last month.
However, the WBC - which is one of the four major sanction bodies in boxing - have ruled that if any of their top fighters compete in the Games they would be "immediately expelled".
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A WBC statement read: "After the AIBA statement to the media, announcing the possibility of professional boxers competing at the Olympic Games of Rio 2016, and after analysing the worldwide opinions of the boxing community, sports members and medical advises. The World Boxing Council rules that any world champion or top 15 ranked boxer per divisions of the WBC that participates in the Olympic games would be immediately expelled.
"It is not possible to imagine, much less accept a fight between professional boxers, who already have a physical development and more advanced technical skills, facing young fighters that are just starting this process.
"Boxing is not a game. There is no scoring with goals or baskets. Rather, it is a contact sport which must be taken seriously. Reasoning must prevail, the function of all bodies must be always care and regulate the safety and healthcare of boxers."
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