Has this been discussed already? I just read it and can't get over it. Such a shame to Wlad and to entire country. who the **** competes against amateurs. Let new generation do their thing.
Reigning world heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko has retained hopes and dreams of competing in the 2016 Olympic games set for Brazil in 2016: this despite the fact that he will be 40-years-old by that time. Klitschko, who won a gold way back in 1996 in Atlanta (later selling his medal, giving the money to charity) has gone on record as saying that it was the dream of both he and the late Emanuel Steward that he finished off his incredible boxing career by winning a second gold medal in 2016.
“It is well known that I really want to take part in the 2016 Olympics,” Wladimir said. “The AIBA is now working on making it possible.”
The current rules of the AIBA stipulate that, although pro boxing will be permitted in the next Olympics, the limit for pro bouts engaged in is 20. As everyone knows, Wladimir has had over three times that many pro outings. However, it seems an exception may be made for Wladimir (who, at age 40, would also be too old to participate; this current rule also needing to be sidestepped) – as the German president of amateur boxing says he is “sure” the AIBA “will be able to make an exception for such a great champion.” – (“exceptional cases can be considered depending on the value of the boxer,” said an AIBA statement said.)
Needless to say, it would be a big, big event if the younger Klitschko brother, a true international superstar, fought in Brazil in a little over three years time – but at his advanced age, would Wladimir be capable of picking up another medal? Also, some critics are bound to raise question marks over such an ultra-experienced fighter going up against an opponent far less seasoned.
Let’s see what final decision is reached by the AIBA.
Wait, I thought boxing was the only Olympic sport that didn't allow professionals to compete? I mean, any of you familiar with the amateurs? I thought that was the whole reason they created the World Series of Boxing, allowing amateur fighters compete in 5 round professional-esque bouts while retaining their Olympic eligibility.
I hope Klitschko doesn't do this or it's not allowed. I don't want to see this. :nonono: Olympics are about the future, not the present beating down on the future.
Would be even more interesting if he lost, which isn't all that unlikely considering the scoring system. He may have problems against one of those big, fleet footed movers that can land pity pats and get out of the way even if Wlad is landing the harder shots.
i thought once you went pro in boxing that you cant compete in the boxing olympics?
I think Wladimir has a goal and wants to follow through with it. But I don't think he should be allowed and as you said that's how it was, it should stay that way. Wladimir should just retire as a professsional.
I hope this is a joke... It's pretty sad if you ask me. The best HW in the world with over 60 pro fights fighting amateurs with no headgear? Doesn't anyone see anything wrong with this? This would tarnish his legacy not help it. There is a list of guys he hasn't fought at the pro ranks let alone amateurs... This has got to be bull****!
I was just thinking the other day he had beaten a large amount of olympic medalists; Ibragimov, Wolfgramm, Byrd, Mercer, soon to be Povetkin now hes about to wipe the new generation out :lol1:
People who say Wladimir might get out worked in an olympic amature bout because of the pace must not know nothing about boxing. He is more conditioned than any amateur fighter, a 3/4 rounder will be like a joke to him.
He is HW CHAMP WITH LOTS OF EXPERIENCE AND POWER. He could KO each and every one of them.
Wilder is a bronze Medalist with 20+ pro fights and he got beat beat around badly by Wladimir during SPARRING WITH HEADGEAR.
This would be unjust if allowed to happen. Pros shouldn't be allowed to compete at all let alone a world champion. That goes for basketball dream teams or ANY other sport.