Bouzidi, who holds dual French and Algerian nationality, has over 15 years' experience in business development and is very familiar with the WSB having previously served as general manager of French franchise Paris United, who were crowned WSB Team Champions in the inaugural 2010-2011 season.

The 41-year-old, who has worked for the African Boxing Confederation, will now be responsible for all WSB operations around the world while being based at the organisation's headquarters in Lausanne.

"I gladly welcome Mr Bouzidi to World Series of Boxing" said International Boxing Association (AIBA) President and WSB chairman CK Wu.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working with him over the past two years when he was leading the French Franchise and I am very happy that he will now put all his experience and expertise to the benefit of the competition."

Bouzidi takes over a new look WSB competition for season three, with city franchises replaced by national franchises in most cases.

Group A consists of Dynamo Moscow, India Fighters, Azerbaijan Baku Fires, Argentina Condors, Mexico Guerreros and Hussars Poland.

While Group sees Milano Thunder, Germany Eagles, Ukraine, Kazakhstan Astana Arlans, United States and British Lionhearts.

"I am extremely honored to have been offered this exciting challenge and I am very thankful to Dr Wu for that", said Bouzidi.

"With new Franchises, dozens of London Olympians on board and pro boxers now allowed, I am convinced that this third season will be the most successful to date.

"We want to show the world that WSB is the place to be when it comes to top quality boxing.

"WSB is the perfect platform for Olympic boxers to test themselves in a pro format and also presents the ideal pathway to a full professional career with the AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) programme, which is now just a year away.

"I cannot wait for this exciting season to begin on 15 November."

Ivan Khodabakhsh has been replaced as the chief operating officer of the WSB after three years

Wu also took the opportunity to thank Khodabakhsh, who has served as WSB chief operating officer from the outset of the project and will remain a key member of AIBA as he moves to their Boxing Marketing Arm (BMA) that promotes the WSB and APB.

"I also want to thank Mr Khodabakhsh for the invaluable work he has done since the inception of WSB," said Wu.

"The product would not be the same if it had not been developed with him."

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