(JUNE 21)  Mixed doubles has long been one of my favourite events in the World of Sport. Some classic encounters at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows and in the Australian Open too but how I wondered would that transfer to boxing?

No, this article REALLY IS about boxing, not Lawn Tennis so news tonight that the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is seeking the views of its National Confederations and hopefully National ones, boxers and coaches too, as they are actively considering introducing ‘Mixed Doubles’ in Boxing.

As yet, the AIBA itself has not issued any OFFICIAL Press Releases on the subject – and are unlikely to do so for many weeks, even months but from discussions with ‘usually reliable sources’ within the AIBA world

there is reason to believe that such tournaments could happen as early as mid-2019.

At the recent AIBA Executive meeting in Dubai, opened by AIBA Interim President, Mr Gafur Rahimov, the subject of “Mixed Double Boxing” was given detailed consideration by the Coaches Commission, which provided important tips as to how to introduce this important innovation in future international competitions. Discussions have also taken place, I am given to understand, in other Federations including Europe.

During the June, EUBC Women’s European Boxing Championships in Sofia ,the EUBC Women’s Commission, chaired by Ms Susanne Karrlander met and those also present included Ms Emilia Grueva, AIBA Women’s Commission Chairwoman, and Franco Falcinelli, the EUBC President.

The Commission has been looking at many aspects of the development of women’s boxing in Europe, and were said to be delighted with the quality of participants at the European Championships and for the significant increase in the women’s sport in Europe more especially at Schoolgirls and Youth levels. increase of women’s activity in Europe, starting with “Schoolgirls”.

Emilia Grueva has also invited the members of the EUBC Women’s Commission to consider the AIBA proposal for “Mixed Double Boxing” aimed particularly at the Gender Equality issues in the sport.

As yet few details have been agreed as to what format the ‘new’ event will take but after talking to ‘insiders’ it is arguably likely to be something on these lines – and no – unlike lawn tennis – there will never be four boxers in the ring at the same time.

Proposals under discussion include (but are not limited to):

Teams each having two males and two females at each weight.

A possible scenario say at Bantamweight:

First round : Male v Male
Second round :Female v Female
Third round :Male v Male
Fourth Road: Female v Female
With say 15 seconds between the rounds

So arguably you could have NEW TEAM world bantam weight champions.

My understanding is that under consideration right now, the Commissions are considering 4 or 5 rounds of two minutes at this time.

Other considerations: would this be an International Nation v Nation event or even a WSB style franchise which might include boxers from many of the top countries in the sport.

In other AIBA news on June 21st:

“Today, the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) announced the successful implementation of important changes made to its policy in favour of gender equality in boxing. In an effort to promote and encourage female participation throughout the sport, AIBA took a big step forward by increasing its quotas for women, both in the ring and in the executive board.

On the executive level, AIBA’s Congress passed a motion that will ensure that a minimum of 6 positions (out of the 28 council positions) will be held by women. This new policy will be in effect for the November AIBA Congress elections. In addition, the AIBA Executive Committee has plans to include at least one female representative in each AIBA Commission.

Gafur Rahimov, Interim President of AIBA, said “Fostering gender equality within our organisation and our sport is a top priority. Female inclusion at all levels of Boxing is important to us, by implementing these new policies at the grassroots and executive level we are ensuring continued development of our sport for the future.”

Tom Virgets, Executive Director of AIBA, said “These successful implementations demonstrate the strong will of the AIBA leadership in fostering and promoting female boxing worldwide. The fact that these new policies will already be implemented in 2018 shows the commitment of our leadership team towards inclusion at all levels.”

As WBAN has said time and time again, any such developments are to be welcomed but let’s not forget that EQUALITY must mean EQUALITY and at this time there are only 5 women’s weights scheduled for Tokyo 2020 so today’s announcements signal but a step in the right direction and clearly there is still a long way to go before there is TRUE equality.