The Int'l Boxing Association (AIBA) has put forward plans that would allow pro boxers "to be picked by their country for a qualifying tournament and earn their place at the Olympics," according to Ron Lewis of the LONDON TIMES. The odds that any top pro fighter would force themselves to endure "boxing five times in a fortnight in Rio for no financial return is next to none." However, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Tyson Fury "hinted on Twitter that he may be interested" in fighting for Great Britain. Amateur boxing has issues retaining talent because its top stars typically turn pro "at the end of each Olympic cycle." While boxing has been a part of the games since 1904, it "has always been strictly limited to amateur boxers." Well-paid pro fighters likely will decline the offer, but it "could appeal to boxers attempting to boost flagging careers." Former Olympian and WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan "dismissed the plans." McGuigan: "It almost seems like a publicity stunt. How could you have an elite championship fighter box over three three-minute rounds and run the risk of putting your title and reputation on the line for nothing?" (LONDON TIMES 2/25). The AP's Tim Dalhberg wrote the AIBA has "gone a bit too far" with this new proposal, as it is "born out of desperation for a sport that is its own worst enemy." It also is a "recipe for disaster should it be allowed to happen." USA Boxing Exec Dir Mike Martino does not expect the proposal to be approved for the Rio Games, but he said, "It's something that's been on our radar screen." Martino: "We've talked to the USOC about how it impacts the sport, and it's huge. The Dream Team changed basketball in the Olympics forever. This will obviously change boxing forever." Dalhberg wrote, "It will do that, no doubt. Unfortunately, it will be for the worse" (AP, 2/25).
