Elite amateurs given all-clear for pro move

Elite amateur boxers signing up for AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) will retain their Olympics status.

However, they will not be allowed take part in world or continental (European) championships beyond 2013.

APB, which will see the International Boxing Association (AIBA) move fully into pro boxing, will be launched next autumn. Its boxers will compete at world, continental and national level. A number of high profile Irish male boxers have expressed an interest in APB, which will have its own qualification process for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Boxers inking deals with APB will be allowed compete in this year’s European and world championships, but that will be the last time they will be allowed enter these tournaments.