USA Boxing swings at Mike Tyson (for signing Olympics eligible fighters)

[Renew Deal]

Last edited Wed Oct 2, 2013, 04:12 PM - Edit history (1)

It didn't take Mike Tyson long to find controversy in his new role as a boxing promoter.

The head of USA Boxing came out swinging Tuesday with an open letter to Tyson -- a former Olympic hopeful himself -- that accuses the former heavyweight champion of trying to poach fighters who might be candidates for the U.S. Olympic team in 2016.

Dr. Charles Butler said in the letter that recently formed Iron Mike Productions has been offering money to the best amateur fighters to turn pro, in particular an 18-year-old who some in amateur boxing believe to be the country's best hope for a gold medal at the Rio Games. He says the money being offered is "pennies on the dollar" of what the prospects could be worth with an Olympic medal.

"Mike, USA Boxing does not have the funds to compete with your offers," the letter said. "If you have money and would like to assist these young athletes and the sport, you should donate for athlete stipends to support the training of these boxers and help your country regain its prominence on the medal stand. Please do not take them from us. If they win a medal for their country, you can always sign them to professional contracts at that time."
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http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/9757701/usa-boxing-claims-mike-tyson-poaching-fighters

[frylock]

1. they allow the pros to play olympic basketball and hockey..

why not let professional boxers compete as well?

[Angleae]

2. The Olympics do allow anyone. The individual sports federations are another thing.

Each sports federation has it's own rules on eligibility including things like professional status, age, etc.