Amateur Home Nations in-fighting beats the Lionhearts in the WSB

[boxrec]

On the eve of the World Series of Boxing (WSB) Season IV Official Draw, it has been announced that the British Lionhearts will not be taking part.

The British Amateur Boxing Association said it was withdrawing the Lionhearts for financial reasons. A BABA statement said: "We are not in a position to underwrite the costs or take on the financial risks of running a British franchise."

"We are very supportive of the World Series of Boxing and felt that the participation of the British Lionhearts in last season's competition was a great showcase for the sport and a good experience for our boxers."

The AIBA/WSB statement reads:

"As agreed last season in order to protect the best interests of British boxers following an outstanding London 2012 Olympic Games, AIBA/WSB had put an important investment into the WSB Franchise British Lionhearts, without any return from the Home Nations or the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA).

 

"However since a few weeks, AIBA/WSB have been greatly disappointed to witness some political conflicts amongst the Home Nations and have thus decided to withdraw the participation of the WSB British Franchise until the situation is cleared. AIBA is currently in the process of investigating these issues, especially within the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) and Amateur Boxing Scotland (ABS).

"AIBA/WSB would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all boxers and coaches who have demonstrated excellence and passion to support the development of the sport of boxing in Great Britain following their success at the London 2012 Games."

The boxers once again the losers when committee officials see politics bigger than actual boxing.

"plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose" - the more things change the more they stay the same.

 

 

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