A statement by King, addressed to boxing friends and family and seen by insidethegames, says that after 40 years’ involvement in boxing, King has decided to stand for the AIBA Presidency at the forthcoming Congress.

This will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with the vote scheduled for November 2.

The venue was moved to Almaty following what AIBA describes as "long-running problems" with the Korean Boxing Federation.

King’s statement argues that boxing is "at a crossroads".

"What I seek is change," it says.

"But change which represents the best interests of the worldwide boxing community."

Promising a complete manifesto in the "very near future”", King says his Presidency would focus on the following "core themes":

• AIBA must serve the boxing family - the boxing family must not serve AIBA

• AIBA must not be ruled by a culture of fear - it should be professional, transparent and fair

• AIBA should represent and serve the interests of all 194 national federations and the 5 continental confederations. AIBA is a world organisation which can only function fully when all voices of national federations are heard and are not unfairly suspended.

• Current levels of representation should be maintained within the AIBA Executive Council. Worldwide opinion must be heard.

• Good governance is essential. I would immediately create an AIBA Audit and Finance Commission, members of which will be drawn as equal partners from the five continental confederations.  I will also commence a review of the current AIBA administrative structure and personnel.

• AIBA is a wealthy organisation. I will ensure that AIBA funds, including the Olympic revenues, are distributed across the world for the development of the sport.

• I will ensure that all five continental confederation Presidents are elected solely by their confederation members

The statement goes on to argue that AIBA "currently controls boxing from the centre" and to assert that "ownership needs to return to its rightful place - in the hands of its members".

The challenge comes as the inaugural season of the ground-breaking World Series of Boxing is about to get under way.

The idea is to create a competition that will drive enough money into the so-called "Amateur" sport to prevent top-drawer Olympic boxers joining the "Professional" ranks the minute they step off the medal podium.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2010: Wu to stand for re-election as President of AIBA