And the wheels keep turning(amatuer boxing)

Big Ears

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/professional-fighters-will-compete-in-2012-games-1722322.html

This isn't a shock really as I'd expected those boxers involved in the 'World series' would still be able to fight in Olympics but it does show the way things have gone. When the amateur game becomes about money, you know there's something wrong.

duagre

I don't fully understand the concept here. Is it just that there is an option for amateur fighters to fight in this world series and earn a purse, or is it a case whereby a fighter signs a pro contract, fights as a pro, and as long as he enters the world series, he can go to the olympics.

Like for example, now that Carl Frampton has turned pro, does it mean he could enter this world series and then represent us at the games?

Big Ears

duagre wrote: »

I don't fully understand the concept here. Is it just that there is an option for amateur fighters to fight in this world series and earn a purse, or is it a case whereby a fighter signs a pro contract, fights as a pro, and as long as he enters the world series, he can go to the olympics.

Like for example, now that Carl Frampton has turned pro, does it mean he could enter this world series and then represent us at the games?

No the fighter has to remain part of the amateur system(even if they participate in the professional style World series) to fight in the Olympics as that's the only way they can quality.

However(and I'm not sure if I've interpreted this right), if a fighter qualifies for the Olympics, then he'll be able to sign a pro contract and fight as a pro as many times as he wants until the Olympics arrive. After that they couldn't fight in another Olympic games though, as they wouldn't be able to qualify again(without getting reclassified).

duagre

I know that its probably not going to be a very popular ruling around these parts, but the way that you explained it, it doesn't seem too bad.

It gives the amateurs a chance to earn some money, and they deserves that opportunity i suppose. I think we all want to see that the guys are looked after financially for the great work they do for us in the ring. And also, it might mean that some guys get to stay amateur to see out their olympic dream, where as they may not be able to make ends meet otherwise.

walshb

My view is simple. It is either am or pro and this is a step
in the wrong direction. I am so proud that am boxing
has really remained amateur, but this is setting a dangerous
precedent that I don't agree with.

Leave the amateurs to the amateurs and the pro's
to the money men. Let's at least try and keep something real and
special in this sport!

Big Ears

walshb wrote: »

My view is simple. It is either am or pro and this is a step
in the wrong direction. I am so proud that am boxing
has really remained amateur, but this is setting a dangerous
precedent that I don't agree with.

Leave the amateurs to the amateurs and the pro's
to the money men. Let's at least try and keep something real and
special in this sport!

I agree wholeheartedly because what we're going to end up with is the best amateur fighters will fight as professionals but only in a bastardised 5 rounder version of the sport(what is this, the contender ?) where they can only fought other amateurs. What can a fighter aspire to then, to be the best professional fighter in his weight class........that is best professional among amateurs.

Since they'll be fighting like the pros they'll probably concentrate on training like pro, so when it comes to the other major amateur tournaments(the only ones they'll even think of competing in) it's likely they could lose out to fighters who focus on just fighting in the amateur system. Which could mean fighters just competing in the World series and not in the other competitions. Which would basically leave us with professionals who only fight 5 rounders.

It's a money making exercise, and nothing more and it will work to the detriment of the amateur game(and possibly boxing).


If fighters are top quality in the amateur game they'll normally receive decent grants(although maybe that's not quite the same situation now as before), if that's not enough money for them then they should turn pro.

sligobhoy67

walshb wrote: »

My view is simple. It is either am or pro and this is a step
in the wrong direction. I am so proud that am boxing
has really remained amateur, but this is setting a dangerous
precedent that I don't agree with.

Leave the amateurs to the amateurs and the pro's
to the money men. Let's at least try and keep something real and
special in this sport!

you fuuckin tell'em hombre!

I know Bren would be along to tell it as it is! get in!

walshb

You know me Sligo, I don't beat around the bush and I am immensely
proud of the sport that is amateur boxing. It is the finest Olympic
sport of them all I feel and this is very disappointing and it
will only get worse!

I have no problem with guys making money, but if that is what they want, then
go pro!