AIBA changes could see Jason Quigley as Olympic contender

Donegal fighter Jason Quigley could find himself on the Olympic journey in the coming years after Wednesday’s announcement by the AIBA that professional boxers could be allowed to compete at the Rio Olympics.
In a move that could have huge repercussions for the Irish High Performance boxing squad, the head of the world governing body of amateur boxers has indicated that they intend to remove the barriers that prevent professionals from competing in the Olympics within months.
The association wants to reform its own eligibility criteria to allow national associations, like IABA in Ireland, to nominate pro fighters for a shot at an Olympic title.
The AIBA executive are due to meet in May to approve proposals which would indicated that the summer games in Rio would come to soon for the change.
Toyko in 2020 would be a more realistic time line for the pro’s to join the Olympic ranks.
Quigley who won European Gold and World Silver as an amateur made the decision to turn pro and join Golden Boy Promotions in 2014, missing out on the Olympic dream in Brazil.
The Finn Valley man who has stretched his pro record in America to 9-0, could find himself being eligible to represent his country at future Olympic games while also climbing the ladder in the middleweight divisions professionally.
Jason returns to ring action on March 25th in California.
Irish boxers Paddy Barnes, Michael Conlan, Steven Donnelly and Joe Ward have already secured Olympic qualification for Rio, while Katie Taylor will be among the other fighters hoping to qualify later this year.