The Briton, who took up the role in January 2010, has left to take up a job as managing editor for a leading trade magazine in the watch industry.

He has been replaced at AIBA by Sébastien Gillot who was the former head of communications for the failed Annecy 2018 Winter Olympic bid.

O'Neil, who joined the AIBA from the FIVB, the world governing body for volleyball, played a significant role in the success of the inaugural season of the WSB and was instrumental in expanding the AIBA brand over the last two years but revealed that he is looking forward to getting back into the watchmaking industry which is his passion.

"During my two years at AIBA, I enjoyed the challenge of helping to launch the World Series of Boxing and the communications over its first season, as well as the historic first Youth Olympic Games," O'Neil told insidethegames.

"It was after returning from the individual championships of the WSB earlier this year that I was approached by an acquaintance who was leaving her post as managing editor of the world's leading trade magazine for the watch industry and had suggested me as her replacement.

"I jumped at the chance because it is an opportunity for me both to return to the watchmaking industry - a field in which I worked for seven years since moving to Switzerland - and to incorporate my passion for writing in my new job.

"I will be replaced at AIBA by Sébastien Gillot, the former head of communications for the Annecy 2018 bid."

O'Neil claimed that he feels Gillot will do a great job in the role based in Lausanne in Switzerland and has wished his successor the best of luck in the job.

"Sébastien had an in-depth induction when we worked together at the AIBA Executive Committee meeting and WSB draw in Astana earlier this month, after which he came back to Lausanne for a couple of days to complete the hand-over," O'Neil added.

"I wish Sébastien all the best for his new role.

"He joins AIBA at a pivotal moment, just after the organisation has made the most historic announcement in its history (to move into professional boxing) and shortly before the World Championships and the second season of the World Series of Boxing."

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