World’s Boxing Leaders Unite Around New Pro Competition

Boxing leaders from all around the world are set to pass a unanimous motion in support of the launch of the AIBA Pro Boxing Competition (APB).

The new competition, launched by the International Boxing Association (AIBA), features 80 of the world’s best boxers competing in an unprecedented top-class individual ranking-based format of Pro Boxing.

APB was launched in October 2014 as the top tier of all AIBA competition programs, following AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) and the World Series of Boxing (WSB).

APB aims to bring boxing back into a mainstream position in the world of sports by taking into account the needs of fans and providing a top quality, highly entertaining and easily understood kind of Pro Boxing. APB’s structure aims to provide fans with regular fight-cards in multiple markets.

APB has a merit-based and comprehensive ranking system, with transparent and fair professional judging, and it epitomizes boxing performance at its best with a full long-term Athlete Development approach – from grassroots to pro – to help identify the world’s true boxing champions.

The heads of AIBA’s 196 National Boxing Federations will also pass a unanimous resolution in support of the removal of headguards for Men competing in elite competition.

The Congress is meeting in advance of the 2014 Women’s World Championships, also taking place in Jeju, starting this weekend.

AIBA appoints former IMG and Coca-Cola Executive as Boxing Marketing Arm CEO

AIBA, the world governing body for the sport of boxing, yesterday appointed David Gough as Chief Executive Officer for its exclusive global marketing company, the Boxing Marketing Arm (BMA).

Mr Gough has significant experience in world-class sponsorship sales, sports marketing and commercial partnership having previously worked for IMG and Coca-Cola amongst others.

David Gough BMA C.E.O with AIBA President and BMA Board Chairman, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu

AIBA President and BMA Board Chairman, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, said: “I am delighted that David Gough is joining the BMA, and there is little doubt that his excellent international experience will provide us with significant support as we move into an exciting new era for boxing.

“AIBA is the global governing body for the sport of boxing and David’s knowledge of international sports sponsorship and marketing will certainly boost the commercial success of our boxing competitions and initiatives.”

Mr Gough, whose appointment was reviewed and approved by the BMA board, said: “This is an important time for AIBA and the sport of boxing and I am thrilled to be joining at a time of such revolutionary change.

“Having worked for some of the world’s biggest brands and events, I am convinced that APB and World Series of Boxing (WSB) can establish themselves as top sports competitions on the international stage.”

Mr Gough has significant sports experience, having worked with Coca-Cola at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, five Super Bowls, four NCAA Final Fours, three MLB and NBA All-Star Weekends and Disney events.

BMA is the marketing company established by AIBA to manage all commercial properties of AIBA’s three main programs, AIBA Open Boxing (AOB), AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) and World Series of Boxing (WSB) focused on TV/Media and Sponsorship Rights Sales.

AIBA announces date of first official APB Event

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) is delighted to announce that it has now set the date of the historic very first AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) Event to the Friday October 24, 2014.

Following various discussions with AIBA Executive Committee Members, APB Executive Board Members and AIBA National Member Federations, as well as with potential media and commercial partners, it became clear that this date was the best to launch this revolutionary new competition program of AIBA.

Consequently, some boxers which have committed to join APB remain eligible for certain upcoming AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games until the APB registration’ deadline has passed.

The schedule of the maiden Cycle of APB is as follows:

APB World Pre-Ranking Competitions, round 1: October 24-26

APB World Pre-Ranking Competitions, round 2: November 20-23

APB World Ranking Competitions: December 18-21

Inaugural World APB Champion Title Matches:

January 22-25, 2015

January 29-February 1, 2015

Full details of each event will be revealed closer to those dates.

“As AIBA President and on behalf of the entire boxing community, I am extremely happy that we have now set another milestone in the development of our beloved sport”, stated AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. “APB aims at bringing boxing back to a mainstream position in the world of sports by taking into account the needs of its fans.

As of October 2014, only the very best boxers on the planet will compete against each other in a merit based and comprehensive ranking system, with transparent and fair judging. APB is an absolute revolution and it will soon crown the only undisputable World Champions”.