But, although the move has generated strong feedback in terms of boosting the spectator experience, there has been much criticism, particularly during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after Australian boxer Daniel Lewis was forced to withdraw from his quarter-final due to a deep cut, despite being otherwise able to continue.

Following this, AIBA vice-president Abdellah Bessalem claimed the decision to scrap headguards, which would have prevented this incident, would be reconsidered.

Several days later though, he performed a dramatic U-turn and claimed his would not be the case as the decision to remove them had been finalised by the AIBA Congress.

Speaking following the conclusion of the Games, Wu reiterated the decision has been made following studies that proved headguards increase the risk of boxers sustaining concussion, their "number one concern" to avoid, he claimed.

"Concussion and boxing safety is our number one concern," Wu told insidethegames.

"Studies taken at the last two World Championships have proved that headguards do not reduce concussion levels, and this was the fundamental reason for the AIBA Committee to make their decision.

"AIBA are fully involved in the process and we believe it is the best for boxing.

"The International Olympic Committee Medical Commission agree with us and we hope and expect that statistics taken from the Commonwealth Games back up the decision.

"I don't think it will be a major issue convincing people once they are aware of this."

CK Wu, pictured during the AIBA Commission Meeting earlier this year, has reiterated the Federation's commitment to maintaining safety standards ©AIBA



In recent weeks, a number of voices have called for the return of headguards, including Great Britain's two-time former world champion Amir Khan, who said during Glasgow 2014 that they should come back, "especially when you´ve got fighters who are fighting nearly five times a week".

"You might get cut in the first day, you might just get a head clash, you might be the favourite to win the tournament," Khan, the Athens 2004 Olympic lightweight silver medallist, who in Glasgow commentating for the BBC, said. 

But, although this argument was dismissed by Wu on the grounds that concussion poses a greater concern, AIBA is also working hard to reduce the risk of fighters sustaining cuts.

Foremost among these measures is the use of a cream, named Cavilon, which, after being applied to the face three times before the competition, is claimed to substantially increase resistance to cuts. 

The cream is set to become mandatory during the boxing competition at the Asian Games, due to be held in Incheon from September 19 until October 4.

"We asked for everyone to wear it in Glasgow, but not everyone did," said Wu.

Wu also revealed that AIBA are working hard to reduce instances of headbutting in the sport, which he believes contributes to most instances of cuts being sustained.

"Most of the cuts are due to head to head clashes and we are trying to educate boxers and coaches not to do this," he told insidethegames.

"If a boxer uses his head in future, they will be warned by the referee."

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