Following on from several pre-ranking competitions earlier this year, the launch of a regular cycle of bouts is seen as "a key moment for the sport of boxing bringing together the world’s top 90 boxers from all four corners of the world".

The competition is due to last until September, with first and second round matches - which will double as qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games - to be followed by world title matches. 

“The launch of the APB Cycle I is a thrilling moment for the world boxing movement and the whole of sports worldwide," said AIBA President CK Wu, for whom the Pro Boxing season has been a longstanding aim of his Presidency.

"We are creating a truly global revolution in boxing and are providing to the world’s best boxers stable and transparent professional careers.

"This is a historical moment in many aspects as Cycle is the beginning of great boxing showcases with the skill and power of AIBA boxers with professional competition styles for the first time ever in global boxing realm."

A total of 40 matches across 10 weight categories will take place in the first round of action.

Tomorrow's opener will see home hope Hurshid Tojibaev clash with Ireland's David Joyce, Russia's Dmitry Polyanskiy take on Brazilian hope Robson Conceição, Charly Suarez of the Philippines come up against another Russian in Magomedrashid Dzhabrailov, while Italy's Domenico Valentino will take on European rival Artur Bril of Germany.

Action will continue next weekend with under 49kg light flyweight and under 56kg bantamweight competition in Guyiang, China and heavyweight action in Milan on June 5 and under 52kg flyweight contests the following night in Sofia and on June 10 in Mexico City.

Super heavyweight bouts will also take place in Marrakech, Morocco on June 5th while under 81kg light heavyweight action will be held on June 6 in Sofia and June 20 in Guyiang.

Guyiang and Mexico City will also host under 64kg light welterweight events on June 10 and June 20 respectively, while under 69kg welterweight action will be held in Moscow on June 19.

Russia will also play host to the final first round action, in the middleweight division on July 17 in Saratov.

All matches will be available live via YouTube here, as well as on local TV channels in some territories, including Morocco, China, Uzbekistan and Italy.

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March 2015: AIBA Pro Boxing cycles launched with Rio 2016 qualification on the agenda
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April 2014: AIBA Pro Boxing set for October debut