The disputes brought about the resignation of chairman Richard Caborn as he attempted to force through the new Board, while opposition came from various heads of regional associations who now have less influence under the new Articles.

If the Articles had not been passed, Sport England planned to withdraw their £5 million ($8 million/€6 million) of annual funding, while the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) also threatened suspending England from international competitions. 

But, with the Articles now in places hopes are high that 2014 will bring more unification and success at both elite and grassroots levels. 

The new era should allow English boxers, like London 2012 champion Nicola Adams, to focus on matters inside the ring ©Getty Images


The change of name is part of a package of measures contained within the new Articles of Association to ensure boxing in England is compliant with the rules and bylaws of international boxing.

The change reflects AIBA statutes and bylaws which no longer use the term "amateur" to describe boxing and instead recognise three variants of the sport: AIBA Open Boxing (AOB), Olympic-style boxing, World Series Boxing (WSB) and AIBA Professional Boxing (APB).

England Boxing has been registered with Companies House and the organisation is in the process of developing a new logo and will migrate towards the new identity over the next four weeks.

A new website will be developed and members will be given a chance to express their views on potential new logos, it was also announced.

 

The Board of England Boxing said: "After a period of significant change, the new name signifies an opportunity to look to the future and shape the governing body into an organisation that truly represents the sport and the people involved in it at all levels in England.

"We will be communicating with members on the new logo and want to ensure that people at the grassroots feel connected to the organisation and that the governing body is working for them.

"There will also be further updates on the renaming of key competitions, such as the national championships.

"There is a strong desire for the 'lion' logo to return and this is being worked on.

"We recognise that there will remain a great deal of affection for the ABA and we have retained the legal registration of the name and will look to consider how it could be deployed in some future capacity within the context of England Boxing."

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