The line between amateur and professional in sport has become difficult to locate in recent years and is about to become more so in boxing. Recent discussions and decisions on whether Olympic medallists will turn to the professional game or stay in the amateur ranks have exercised associations in Ireland, Britain and elsewhere.
Katie Taylor has decided to stay ‘amateur’ and fight to retain her title in Brazil.  Jonjo Nevin’s original decision to go down the pro path may yet be reversed and the same could be the case for many more of the ring stars from London 2012.
Boxing has traditionally been one of the most clearly defined between the amateur and professional ranks.  The use of protective headgear and different scoring systems mean the differences were obvious.
Now though the Amateur International Boxing Association has instructed its members to drop the word amateur from their title and replace it with Olympic.
The introduction of World Series Boxing has served to ensure that those who want to be paid a salary and bonuses from the sport can do so without interfering with Olympic eligibility.  Next year, women’s boxing is likely to feature as a first on a WSB card and Katie Taylor is an overwhelming favourite to be the first to step into the ring.
Professional boxing has for some time been tarred with a reputation of being less than perfect.  Confusion over world rankings and world titles has seen its appeal diminish from previous highs when Mohammed Ali, Marvin Hagler and others commanded multi million contracts.
Bernard Dunne and Steve Collins made a good living from the game in more recent years but the amateur game has drawn closer in terms of recognition for fighters and potential sponsorship income.
Boxing in Ireland in particular has carried our Olympic expectations over the past two cycles, arguably more, and the dawn of a new era where big names fight on a ‘circuit’ will enhance the prospect of greater commercial appeal to brands looking to use the sport to reach their audience.
Last month Michael Conlon headed a list of six Irish boxers drafted onto WSB franchises from the USA, Mexico and Kazakhstan.  The third season of the tour gets under way next month and runs through to March.
A British franchise will be included for the first time.  In years to come we may yet see an Irish franchise with a home base at the O2.  Now that would be sporting boost for Ireland.
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