England Boxing statement on boxing at the Olympics

England Boxing has today issued the following statement with regards to boxing at the Olympic Games, which has been circulated to all member clubs.

As you may be aware, there are currently significant issues with the Olympic Movement and AIBA and a possibility that boxing will be removed from the Olympic Games. Boxing is currently suspended by the International Olympic Association and preparations between AIBA and the organisers for Tokyo 2020 are on hold pending a review to be published in June.

Whilst we fully appreciate for many clubs and boxers that the Olympics may feel a long way away from day-to-day realities and domestic competitions, we believe participation in the Olympics is very important for the sport and its long-term growth and prospects.

In simple terms participation provides, amongst other things:

• Significant publicity and promotion of the sport plus international acknowledgment
• Inspiration to new entrants to take up the sport.
• Recognised pathway and pinnacle for sport, regardless of if boxers go all the way to the Olympics.
• Credibility.
• Direct and indirect funding to Federations and boxers throughout the world.
• Keeping boxers within the sport.

It’s for these reasons that so many sports have campaigned to get into and stay in the Olympics, and that it has over 10,000 participants.

We will continue to campaign and put pressure on AIBA to ensure our sport remains at the very pinnacle of international competition and the aspirations of so many sports men and women.

Below is our latest letter to AIBA detailing our views and asking them to take the necessary action.