AIBA Announces $39 Million Deal With Hong Kong-Based FCIT To Support BMA

The Int'l Amateur Boxing Association revealed that it has "signed a landmark" $39M deal to support its global marketing company, the Boxing Marketing Arm, with First Commitment Int'l Trade, according to Emily Goddard of INSIDE THE GAMES. The partnership with the Hong Kong-based private entity "was approved" at the world governing body's '14-15 Exec Committee Meeting in Istanbul. As part of the deal, FCIT "will be the exclusive representative for all BMA China businesses, which promote and sell rights for all AIBA products, located in the Greater China territories, including mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau." Meanwhile, AIBA's World Series of Boxing -- launched in '10 and entering Season 5 with 16 teams in Jan. '15 -- and AIBA Pro Boxing, which begins on Oct. 24, "will offer the firm the opportunity to expand in the sports industry" (INSIDE THE GAMES, 7/16).