There is an interesting scenario that confronts the world boxing fraternity. The International Amateur Boxing Association (or Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur - AIBA) has expanded into the professional category.

The Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC), at its recent annual general meeting (AGM) in London, discussed the controversy that surrounds AIBA. Actually, AIBA ventured into the professional bracket back in 2008 when arrangements were made to stage the first boxing tournament from which competitors were to be paid. Since that time, the professional aspect of AIBA has grown to the point whereby the existing purely pro organizations have expressed resentment of the intrusion.

Armed with its strong relationship to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this body (AIBA) that once decried the slightest professional connection now is close to monopolizing the sport. In fact because of its longtime association with the IOC, only boxers from AIBA will be allowed to compete in the Olympics. Add that strong position to the evolving of its own professional champions and AIBA presents an element that is not enticing at all to the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Association (WBA), the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the International Boxing Organization (IBO), the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the World Boxing Federation (WBF).

Seemingly, just the Commonwealth Boxing Council is recognizing the big picture. AIBA's position is cemented. I don't see any legal situation stopping AIBA from continuing on its present path. So, AIBA will apparently be able to extend its professional arm and still remain the avenue for boxers being process to compete in the Olympics. During the CBC meeting, a discussion took place about the reality of the situation. CBC Chairman Phillip Andrew Brook Smith entertained suggestions to canvas the views of CBC champions and also to communicate with the IOC and AIBA on the issue which has changed the structure of boxing pertaining to amateurism and professionalism.

At the very least, the CBC's approach is even handed. On the other hand, a body such as the WBC is taking a different route. WBC President Dr. Jose Sulaiman has launched a scathing attack against AIBA and is questioning the "understanding" that federations not in AIBA do not have the option to compete in the Olympic Games. Dr. Sulaiman appears to be very bitter.

"The problem here is that a mere sports organization of amateur boxing is telling the USA, Great Britain, France, Russia, the African countries, China, Japan, Mexico and all nations of the world to forget about their laws and sovereignty and do as AIBA wants. This is one more Pandora box to explode, and we are waiting for it. I just hope that boxing people understand what is happening and act strongly in defence of the sport of our love," Dr. Sulaiman was quoted in Boxing Action.

It will be interesting to see what develops as the CBC explores the situation further while Dr. Sulaiman and his colleagues in the WBC continue to steam. Here in The Bahamas, there is not a great concern over the development.

The general view among boxing leaders in this country is that AIBA is simply following the lead of other sporting organizations. For instance, there was a time when track and field athletes would have been suspended for being paid one dollar. The legendary American Native Indian Jim Thorpe is a case in point.

Once ago, professional basketball players were not allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. The American Dream Team of the best professionals in the world, inclusive of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordon, Charles Barkley, Clyde Drexler and company, helped to change all that. Professional basketball players competing alongside amateurs is now common place. Professional soccer players participate in the World Cup and the Olympic Games. So, AIBA is following a trend that began decades ago.

A boxing revolution is indeed upon us, led by AIBA. It doesn't seem like anything can be done about it.

o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

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