The International Boxing Association has agreed a partnership with IMG for the sale and distribution of worldwide broadcast rights for the upcoming World Series of Boxing (WSB)/AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) Olympic Qualification Tournament to be held in the Venez

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has agreed a partnership with IMG, a global sports, other events and talent management company, for the sale and distribution of worldwide broadcast rights for the upcoming World Series of Boxing (WSB)/AIBA Pro Boxing (APB)Olympic Qualification Tournament to be held in the Venezuelan state of Vargas.

Following a historic ruling, passed unanimously at AIBA’s Extraordinary Congress in Lausanne on June 1, National Federations will be able to register all non-AIBA professional boxers for the tournament - due to take place from Sunday (July 3) to Friday (July 8) - according to the criteria for registration of professional boxers.

IMG will have global rights across all broadcast platforms for the six-day event, including gaming.

"This important new partnership underlines the unique appeal of our sport and the power it has to attract millions of TV viewers all over the world," said AIBA executive director Karim Bouzidi.

"Having IMG on board will undoubtedly help us to reinforce the promotion of all of AIBA’s first-class competitions and ensure the long-term development of our sport to the benefit of the National Federations and their boxers."

The competition will offer 26 quota places for this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, available to the best boxers across the 10 weight categories.

"This is an historic event in the world of boxing," said Kristian Hysen, vice-president and head of boxing for IMG Media.

"It’s a great opportunity for broadcasters, across all media, to show the qualifying tournament featuring professional boxers competing for a place at the Olympic Games for the first time."

The Philippines' Manny Pacquiao had been billed as a potential superstar attraction at Rio 2016 but has decided to focus on his political career ©Getty Images
The Philippines' Manny Pacquiao had been billed as a potential superstar attraction at Rio 2016 but has decided to focus on his political career ©Getty Images

The decision to grant professionals the opportunity to compete at the Olympics has been heavily criticised, with possible safety risks due to mismatches between professional and less-experienced amateurs among the concerns.

The World Boxing Council has warned that professional fighters ranked in the top 15 of its standings face a two-year ban if they compete at Rio 2016.

Manny Pacquiao had been billed as a potential superstar attraction at the Games but has decided to focus on his political career as an elected Senator in his native country, The Philippines.