Baku, 23 February, AZERTAC

Top professional boxers could finally be granted the right to compete in the Olympics under new proposals being considered by the sport's governing body AIBA.

Restrictions which currently rule professional fighters out of the Games are set to be abolished at an AIBA Commissions meeting in Manchester this week, Press Association Sport has reported.

Under current AIBA rules introduced in 2013, professional boxers are eligible to go to the Olympics provided they have had less than 15 paid bouts and sign a short-term contract committing themselves to AIBA's professional arm, APB.

However, it is understood the failure of APB to make the desired impact, coupled with AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu's relentless drive towards a full merger of the former professional and amateur codes, has put the Olympic eligibity criteria firmly back on top of the agenda.

The new plan could allow any professional boxer - irrespective of age or experience - to become instantly available to represent their country at an Olympics provided they sign with their respective national body.

Over 110 AIBA delegates will converge to discuss the issue and others at the two-day conference at Old Trafford stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

It is unlikely any change will be passed in time to affect the Rio Olympics, with proposals not due to be ratified until the next meeting of AIBA's executive committee in July, after the qualification process is complete.

AIBA would not comment directly on the issue but Wu said in a statement: "2016 is a special year for AIBA as we celebrate our 70th anniversary.

"It's not just a symbolic anniversary, it's an opportunity to demonstrate the constant dynamism of our sport and its evolution in all areas.

"The 2016 Commissions will set precise guidelines in terms of the future development of boxing and having them take place in this boxing nation makes it even more unique."