Mexican Boxing Federation President Ricardo Contreras, left, has held discussions with International Boxing Association counterpart C K Wu over the national governing body’s strategy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycle ©AIBA

Mexican Boxing Federation (FEMEBOX) President Ricardo Contreras has held discussions with International Boxing Association (AIBA) counterpart C K Wu over the national governing body’s strategy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic cycle.

During a visit to AIBA’s offices in Lausanne, Contreras discussed his desire to create a Mexico boxing academy and signed the HeadsUp! Charter.

The Charter is part of AIBA’s development campaign to extend boxing’s reach with a focus on grassroots programmes as well as the physical and professional well-being of its boxers from novice to elite and beyond.

"Mexico’s great tradition and strong record in world boxing speaks for itself, and it was excellent to hear FEMEBOX’s latest plans to develop the sport and nourish the country’s next generation of great boxers," Wu said.

"There can be no mistaking that our 202 National Federation members need to be putting their strategies for Tokyo 2020 success in place now if they are to make an impact in three years’ time, and AIBA remains true to its continuous commitment to work for the best interest of boxing and support all our affiliated members."

Contreras underlined his support for AIBA and Wu and praised the global educational programmes taking place under the HeadsUp! banner, making clear his wish to build an academy that will develop the future generations of Mexico’s boxing talent in the spirit of the core values supposedly shared by AIBA and FEMEBOX.

Ricardo Contreras, left, signed the HeadsUp! Charter ©AIBA
Ricardo Contreras, left, signed the HeadsUp! Charter ©AIBA

In June of last year, FEMEBOX confirmed that its professional fighters would not participate at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. 

Earlier that same month, AIBA unanimously passed a historic ruling at their Congress in Lausanne, opening the door for professionals to compete at Rio 2016.

The decision caused controversy in the sport, with critics arguing that it posed possible safety risks due to mismatches between professional and less experienced fighters.

FEMEBOX said it "doesn’t support the idea of having professional fighters competing in the amateur Olympics".

Last week, Wu claimed the group recently trying to force him out of his position at the head of AIBA "sullied everything that we have achieved over the past 12 months".

A total of 13 of 15 members of the ruling AIBA Executive Committee opposed Wu at a meeting in Moscow in July before setting up a rival Interim Management Committee in an attempt to bring about his removal.

They had appealed to the Swiss courts to try to gain control over the world governing body but their claim for "urgent provisional measures" was dismissed.