IABA to allow some pros to return to amateur game

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) have announced that certain Irish pro fighters will be allowed return to the ‘amateur’ side of the sport.

The sport’s international governing body, the AIBA, last year removed rule 13J from its constitution which facilitated the participation of any pro fighter in their competitions.

Previously it had been capped at pros who had less than 20 fights and was restricted to the WSB and APB wings of the operation. These criteria have now been lifted, but the AIBA left it up to each individual national governing body regarding how the new rules would implemented in each respective country.

The IABA have now set out their interpretation of the rule and secretary Al Morris confirmed that the body will allow pro boxers to return to the amateur ranks if:
– they’ve had five or fewer pro fights.
– are registered with an IABA affiliated club.

IABA President Pat Ryan was in favour of the move and noted how it was important that Irish amateur boxing allowed pro boxers a way back if the paid game was not for them.

As of this morning, no current pros have entered the this month’s National Elite Senior Championships. The deadline for entries is today at 5pm.

Previously, Warrenpoint cruiserweight Declan Trainor [2(2)-1(1)] had stated his intention to return to the amateur game as a light heavyweight.

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Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show: