Amateur boxing overhauled for 2012 Olympics by Thomas Rooney Oct 4th 2008

Ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, the British boxing team has been given a makeover with the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) taking over the responsibility of leading the team. Derek Mapp is the chairman of the BABA and he says he welcomes the move that will help the ‘change I am trying to make'. Mapp was also thankful to the support UK Sport has shown in approving the decision. The aim of such a move, of course, is to make the British boxing team a real force in London 2012. The boxers themselves, the coaches and their supporting team will be given all the help they need to ensure a large medal haul in four years time. The change comes after a successful Beijing Olympics where James DeGale won gold while David Price and Tony Jeffries picked up bronze medals. The team's coach, Terry Edwards, described this as a ‘fantastic achievement' and was understandably proud of him team's efforts. However, these achievements inside the ring were not matched outside the ring. Everything surrounding the amateur boxing scene is thought to need a fresh start. Things got extremely bad in the build up to the Beijing Games when UK Sport had to take emergency control of the Sheffield-based elite programme. Funding was clearly an issue that needed addressing with the governance of the sport also under review. The programme at this time was run by the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) and their relationship with Edwards became increasingly fragile with rows over payment and fears that the governing body were attempting to undermine the British coach. The Olympics themselves were far from smooth for Edwards either. Frankie Gavin – who was considered one of the brightest hopes in the British team – had to withdraw from the tournament for not making the weight. Edwards received a lot of criticism after this and many questioned his leadership. Lots of boxing bets were being placed on Gavin to win gold, so for him to miss out on the chance to compete was extremely frustrating. Edwards helped the team surpass the Beijing medal target though and was instrumental in DeGale winning gold. However, his future is very much up in the air. It will depend on how his relationship develops under the new system led by the BABA. It is thought that talented amateur boxers like Gavin and DeGale are keen to represent Britain again in 2012 as long as Edwards is kept on, so that may sway the decision. One thing for sure though, is that it is a very important time for amateur boxing in this country. Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about boxing betting www.betting.betfair.com/betting/boxing

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