Professional boxers will fight at Rio Olympics
Professional boxers will compete in Rio after the sport's international regulatory association overwhelmingly approved of their inclusion. All but four members of the 88-member AIBA voted in favor of the proposal.
The concept of bringing pro boxers into the Rio field at this late date has drawn criticism from many sectors, with opponents of the idea noting that amateurs who have trained for years will have to surrender their positions. The health risks involved in placing pro boxers in a ring against young amateurs also concerned critics, including Mike Tyson, who called the idea of pros in the Olympics "ridiculous."
Many national delegations have already begun selecting their boxers. However, a major qualifying event next month in Venezuela will offer qualifying spots to 26 Olympians. A total of 286 boxers, 236 men and 50 women, will compete in Rio, and boxers must be under 40 years old. The format will be a three-round judged fight, a style that could benefit amateurs accustomed to shorter durations.
The move toward allowing professionals to compete in Olympic Games now comprises all major Olympic sports, including basketball, hockey, tennis, and golf. Amateur Olympic boxers who went on to professional success include Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Oscar De La Hoya, Wladimir Klitschko, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and many others.
____
Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports and the author of EARNHARDT NATION, on sale now at Amazon or wherever books are sold. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.
