LOS ANGELES (AP) — The International Boxing Federation will punish boxers who compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics by removing them from the sanctioning body's rankings or vacating their titles.
The IBF announced its decision Monday.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) recently decided to allow professional boxers to attempt to qualify for the Olympics, but no major fighters have accepted the invitation.
The IBF has joined other sanctioning bodies, fighters and trainers in strongly condemning the plan, citing serious health risks in pitting seasoned pros against amateurs.
The IBF says it will remove any Olympic fighters from its rankings for a year.