AIBA's idea to include pro boxers in Olympics is publicity stunt: Former IABF secretary

"AIBA has done it more as a publicity gimmick. It has taken such a big decision few months before the Olympics with all the qualification events over. It is not practically possible for any pro to participate. They are deriving publicity because otherwise nobody was talking about AIBA events (World Series Boxing, AIBA Pro Boxing). And in the run-up to the Olympics, AIBA must have thought this would bring in big names," Raja told Times of India.

Indian boxers are yet to qualify for the upcoming Olympics in Rio, but AIBA's statement gave hopes of seeing Vijender Singh donning the India colours once again, at the biggest stage of all. However, Raja explained that it is difficult to include Pro boxers and amateurs in the same format.

"Pro boxing is a different sport. Amateurs play only three rounds and a professional boxer is like a long distance runner. They take at least three rounds to warm up. AIBA knows that stars like Manny Pacquiao won't play in WSB or APB. So they have said you have to participate under the national rules. For instance for 2020 Olympics, if world championship is considered as qualification tournament then any country can bring in any pro boxer. The national federation has to conduct selection trials under amateur rules," he added.

All eyes will now be set on the upcoming Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifying Tournament, to be held in China from March 23 to April 3, where the Indian boxers will fight it out to book their tickets to Rio.