The news that professional boxers will be allowed compete in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has been met with wide disdain.
84 out of 88 member associations have voted to allow professional boxers compete in the Olympics for the first time in the history of the Games. The idea is the brainchild of AIBA President Dr. Ching-Kuo Wu, who first spoke about the idea in February.
One boxer who is not happy with the plan is Carl Frampton. The Belfast fighter had a distinguished career as an amateur, before turning professional and eventually becoming a World Champion.
The 29-year-old has said the amateur and professional ranks are "two separate sports".
Pros boxers being allowed to fight in Olympics is ridiculous! They're two different sports. It's like a badminton player playing tennis
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) June 1, 2016
Also when and how do they Qualify for Rio? It starts in about 10 weeks. AIBA have got worse since I was an amateur and thats hard to believe
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) June 1, 2016
What about the amateurs who've been dreaming of the Olympics for years, have yet to Qualify & some pro takes their spot at the last minute?
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) June 1, 2016
