AIBA may allow pro boxers in Olympics soon: Amir Khan

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) could soon allow professional boxers to compete in big-ticket amateur events like the Olympics, British pro star Amir Khan has revealed, saying that he would grab the chance as and when it comes along.
As things stand right now, professional boxers -- save for the ones competing in the AIBA-backed World Series of Boxing (WSB) and the AIBA Professional League (APB) -- are barred from competing in amateur events, including the Olympic Games.
However, Khan, who became Britain's youngest Olympic medallist by clinching a silver at 17 in the 2004 Athens Games before turning pro, has revealed that rules are set to be changed soon to bring in pro boxers at AIBA events -- a long-standing demand of his fraternity.

"AIBA President Mr (Ching-Kuo) Wu is a good friend of mine and I was recently there in Doha for the amateur men's World Championships on his invitation. I think they are changing the rules soon, that's what I gathered from Mr Wu while speaking to him, that things will be changing soon," Amir told PTI in an interview.
"The AIBA wants professional boxers to work with AIBA and they will allow them to go to Olympics. So imagine, I may have a second chance at the Olympics. That will be amazing and massive because everybody wants to go to Olympics," said the 28-year-old with a huge grin on his face.

"I have heard that they are changing the rules and this would a great thing because pro boxers want to compete in the Olympics. I think it's very good that they are (thinking of) bringing amateur and professional boxers together because end of the day it's boxing and people want to watch good fights," he added.

Amir is on his maiden trip to India to announce the launch of his chain of academies starting with Delhi and Mumbai. He has also been exploring the country, recently paying obeisance at the Ajmer Sharif.
"I want to see the Taj Mahal, I have seen a lot of pictures of the place and I want to explore it. I hope I can," Khan said.

The trip, he said, is also a break from the frenzy surrounding, a speculated showdown with Filipino star Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao is looking for a rival for what he has claimed to be his final bout and Khan is among the boxers in fray for the much-sought-after clash.