A FORMER IBF flyweight champion from Thailand and a French-Cameroonian middleweight contender are the most prominent professional boxers attempting to win berths in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics during the final qualifying tournament.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) announced the entrants Saturday for the tournament beginning Sunday in Vargas, Venezuela.
AIBA decided earlier this year to allow professional boxers to compete for an Olympic berth, but Amnat Ruenroeng and Hassan N?Dam are the most prominent fighters to seize the opportunity.
AIBA?s decision sparked renewed interest in the often-overlooked Olympic sport and drew tentative interest from some pros.
The gambit also received widespread condemnation from boxers and coaches concerned about the safety and sanctity of the amateur sport.
