Boxing Headgear Decision Expected at Next IOC EB

(ATR) International Boxing Association (AIBA) president C.K. Wu tells Around the Rings the IOC will vote on the use of boxing headgear at Rio 2016 at its executive board meeting March 1-3.

"The AIBA Medical Commission has been working closely with the IOC Medical Commission on this matter," says Wu. "We are confident that the research and data provided by AIBA will lead to a positive recommendation."

AIBA discontinued the use of headgear in 2013 and rolled out its Heads Up initiative at the men’s world championships in Doha, Qatar last October. The AIBA medical commission realized that headgear led to more concussions than it prevented so it now teaches boxers to keep their heads up at all times to reduce concussions and cuts.

The program is receiving support from many of AIBA’s national federations and was a success at the 2015 world championships where no concussions were reported as a result of the initiative.

At the Rio 2016 test event in December, AIBA bolstered the Heads Up program with a partnership with Fight for Peace and five scholarships for aspiring boxers. AIBA will continue to develop the program as the federation enters its 70th year.

"We are celebrating our 70th anniversary and I can tell you that AIBA boxing is as dynamic as ever," Wu says.

AIBA says it expects to reach the 200 federation milestone in 2016, an accomplishment only a few international sports federations like athletics, table tennis and football have achieved.

"It’s a huge achievement for our sport and AIBA as it symbolizes the global reach of boxing," Wu tells ATR. "National Federations are a crucial partner by ensuring the continuous growth of boxing in all its forms."

The federation will strive for the 200 member mark as it makes its push towards Rio 2016 in August. Wu tells ATR that 2016 should make for a busy year at AIBA with the Olympics, the women’s world championships, World Series of Boxing (WSB) and AIBA Pro Boxing Series events on the schedule.

"The Women’s World Championships in Kazakhstan in May are an opportunity to highlight women’s boxing and its growing appeal especially since the London 2012 Olympic Games," Wu says.

"AIBA will also stage WSB season VI and the new APB Cycle with our 10 Worldwide Champions ready to defend their belts. It’s a busy year for boxing but it shows the importance and growing worldwide appeal of our sport."

AIBA has made steady progress in its quest to become one of the most important sports in the Olympic Movement as other large federations are regressing due to scandals involving corruption and doping violations. Wu says the reforms made by AIBA since 2006 that put the interests of the athletes first are a big reason for its success.

"We need to be absolutely clear on the governance principles that rule our sport: fairness, transparency and equality of opportunities," Wu tells ATR. "Otherwise we will lose the confidence and respect of all our stakeholders including the fans."

Next on the schedule for AIBA is the women's world championships in Kazakhstan from May 16-28. Wu says athletes like Katie Taylor, Nicola Adams and Clarissa Shields will help draw large crowds to the event and build excitement for the Olympic tournament in August.

Written by KevinNutley

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