The Asian Boxing Council (Abco) is against the International Amateur Boxing Association's (Aiba) proposal to allow professional fighters to join the Olympics.
Pol Gen Kovid Bhakdibhumi, president of the Abco which is a body under the World Boxing Council (WBC), said yesterday that his organisation strongly opposes moves by Aiba to allow professional boxers to take part in the Olympics and adapt some rules that would endanger boxers including fighting without a headguard.
The Abco stands by the WBC in calling on all boxing institutions to oppose Aiba's support for professional boxing at the Olympics.
"We call on the IOC [International Olympic Committee] not to accept Aiba's attempt to have professional boxers at the Olympics," Kovid said.
"We are worried about safety and fair competition in boxing world. Every country should support amateur boxing in the Olympics."
Meanwhile, the WBC will provide support for Thailand's former world champions, Venice Bor Khor Sor and Napha Kiatwanchai, through the WBC Boxers Foundation. Both are among 30 boxers who will each receive US$400 (12,000 baht) monthly allowance.