(MAY 3) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) held a media conference in Lausanne, Switzerland this evening to discuss various issues involving Sport and the Olympics. One major issue related to ‘Governance of the AIBA’.

President Thomas Bach indicated that the 2018 Youth Olympic Boxing tournament in Buenos Aires WILL go ahead but insofar as Tokyo 2020 is concerned, further discussions will take place in July, when the AIBA hold an Executive meeting. They will then meet the I O C following which a final decision will be taken by the I.O.C.

According to “Inside the Games” correspondent Nick Butler, Bach went on to add:

"This report shows some progress and shows goodwill but still lacks execution and, in some areas, still lacks substance,"

"Our concerns on governance, financial and sporting integrity are continuing.

"We think that we now need to see action on the programmes and the plans.

"This is what we are requiring from AIBA.

"Therefore, we retain our right to exclude boxing from the programme of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

"With regard to the Youth Olympic Games [in Buenos Aires], we decided to protect these young athletes who cannot be blamed for all the issues regarding AIBA, and to keep boxing on the programme.

But, under one condition, which means that we want to see the refereeing system - that means the appointments of judges and all the other judges - approved by an independent expert."

Following the I O C Media conference the AIBA issued this Press release:

“The International Boxing Association has taken note of the announcement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) this evening and is pleased that the positive changes made in the last months with regards to its governance were recognized by the IOC Executive Board.

AIBA will continue to work hard and collaborate with the IOC while moving forward to establishing itself as a model governing body. As such, AIBA will await the IOC’s written confirmation of the decisions taken by the IOC EB to determine its next steps.

Tom Virgets, AIBA Executive Director said: “The whole AIBA organisation has been working extremely hard in the last few months and we are very pleased that these efforts and results have been recognized by our colleagues at the IOC. In line with our commitment to transparency, we look forward to sharing the submitted report with all of our members as soon as possible. This is a new AIBA and we are fully committed to putting into action the values of Boxing and the Olympic Movement.”

AIBA is currently undertaking a complete organizational review, which includes input from the IOC Report as well as input from all of AIBA’s stakeholders and will lead to the ‘New Foundation Plan’ for AIBA. This plan and the recommendations produced will be discussed during the AIBA Executive Committee meeting in July.

So the wait goes on and on…….. but hopefully can still be resolved to protect boxing in the Olympics of Tokyo 2020.