The WBC, the sport's leading professional organisation, complained to the IOC over AIBA's increasing move away from amateurism.

WBC President José Sulaimán (pictured top) of Mexico claimed AIBA is looking to dominate all forms of boxing and said that the IOC should stop them.

But IOC sports director Christophe Dubi has responded to Sulaimán claiming that the WBC should look to address its concerns with AIBA directly rather than approach the Olympic governing body about the issue.

"Thank you for your letter to the IOC President regarding the relationship between the WBC and AIBA," said Dubi in his letter to Sulaimán.

"As a result of the IOC recognising AIBA as the International Federation administering boxing at world level, AIBA is responsible for the technical control and direction of its sport at the Olympic Games.

"The IOC and AIBA are in regular contact to this effect.

"Consequently, the issues raised in your letter should be dealt directly with AIBA and not with the IOC.

"Thank you very much for your consideration of the above."


The key concern of the WBC is AIBA's World Series of Boxing (WSB) tournament, which is currently the only competition in the world that allows fighters to compete professionally and retain their Olympic eligibility.

A second tournament - AIBA Professional Boxing (APB) - is due to begin later this year and link to WSB.

As it makes steps towards professionalism, AIBA has also removed headguards from all elite men's competitions, including the Olympic Games, in a move the WBC fear will allow it to ultimately take control of professional boxing.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
April 2013: World Boxing Council complain to IOC over AIBA's move into professional ranks