New boxing chief eyes six-month reform plan
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MOSCOW • Umar Kremlev, the new president of the International Boxing Association (Aiba), plans to implement reforms over the next six months that could help restore its status with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he told Reuters.
Elected to head amateur boxing's governing body earlier this month, the Russian has been given the task of implementing sweeping reforms in order for it to be recognised by the IOC in time for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
The IOC suspended Aiba last year, stripping it of any involvement in Olympic qualifiers and this year's Tokyo Games over a string of governance, finance and ethical issues.
"I have planned that it would take around six or seven months to implement the reforms," said Kremlev, who also serves as secretary-general of the Russian Boxing Federation.
"It's an ambitious plan. This will not be easy to do."
Kremlev, named chairman of the Aiba marketing commission last year, has pledged to attract US$50 million (S$66.4 million) in funding over the next two years to rebuild the troubled organisation.
He added that he was already holding talks with international companies - the names of which he would not disclose - to secure potential advertisement and sponsorship deals.
"I think we will soon announce our sponsors and make the signing of any deals public," he said.
The IOC has said the status of Aiba would be reviewed after the Tokyo Games, which have been postponed by one year to next July because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Kremlev is hoping to bring transparency to the body before the 2024 Olympics, with the IOC overseeing the delivery of the boxing competition in Tokyo.
"The Aiba we see now has debts and practically no interaction with the federations," he said.
$66m
Funding Aiba's new president Umar Kremlev has pledged to find to give the boxing organisation a clean slate.
"By the 2024 Olympic Games, you will see an independent Aiba able to attract funds... and help national federations hold tournaments.
"By 2024, we need to make Aiba the cleanest organisation, make it transparent for it to shine."
REUTERS
