King has held the position of chief executive since March 2005 on a long term secondment from Liverpool City Council.

The post was advertised in January 2011 following Liverpool City Council's decision to review all of its long term secondments in light of budget cuts.

King was interviewed for the role but has decided to withdraw his application.

He is currently involved in a disciplinary process with the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), following an unsuccessful campaign for the Presidency of the organisation in October 2010, and claimed that he did not want this personal issue to impact on the ABAE.

"My overriding concern is for the sport of boxing in this country and I do not want the disciplinary issue that AIBA has brought against me personally, in my capacity as a European representative, to affect its relationship with the ABAE," King said.

In January Wu, a member of the International Olympic Committee, called for King to be replaced to help Britain re-establish its relations with the AIBA.

"I do not think it is in the best interests of the ABAE for me to have the CEO role on a permanent basis whilst this process is still on-going so have taken the decision to withdraw my candidacy," said King.

"I wish the very best of luck to whoever gets the role and will continue to serve boxing in whatever capacity I can in the future."

The sport is also under investigation following allegations of financial mismanagement and other irregularities which were reported to Sport England last month by a "whistleblower".

Former Sports Minister and President of the ABAE, Richard Caborn, paid tribute to King.

"Amateur boxing in England has made huge progress under Paul's leadership of the ABAE and is now widely recognised as one of our most successful sports in its ability to deliver the twin goals of increasing participation and elite success," he said.

"At the grassroots, participation is soaring.

"Club membership is rising and the number of coaches increased by over 50 per cent in 2009/10 alone.

"More than 20,000 women regularly participate in amateur boxing and non-contact versions of the sport are now offered in nearly 2,000 schools - compared to just 20 only five years ago.

"At the elite level the talent pool has widened and in recent years English boxers have emerged on the world stage and consistently delivered medals in the World and European Championships and at the Olympic Games.

"On behalf of the Board of the ABAE I would like to thank Paul for his role in helping to deliver these fantastic achievements and all of his hard work and dedication over the last six years."

The ABAE expects to conclude its recruitment process for a new chief executive, before the end of this month, it said today.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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