AIBA denies approving IABF constitution

Threatening the IABF with an extended spell of suspension, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has rejected the barred body's claim of getting approval for its amended constitution, calling it a "work in progress" for the time being.

"The IABF constitution, which was completely revised by the AIBA Legal Department, was only so far sent to the AIBA EC Member from India, Mr Kishen Narsi, on February 11, 2013," AIBA President Ching Kuo Wu said in a letter to India's IOC member Randhir Singh.

"The constitution is still a work in progress and is subject to further consultation between AIBA and the relevant parties in India," he added.

The statement came after the IABF claimed that its amended constitution has got the world body's nod.

"To be clear, the IABF constitution has not been approved by AIBA whatsoever," he clarified.

The IABF was left flummoxed with Secretary General Rajesh Bhandari, who had claimed of getting AIBA's approval for the constitution, saying that it is a bolt from the blue.

"The letter which the AIBA sent to Mr Narsi clearly stated that the constitution had been approved and we could get back to them to seek clarifications if there were any doubts," he said.

"I am very surprised with this development," he added.

Meanwhile, the AIBA also warned the IABF against going ahead with a Special General Meeting to adopt the constitution in March.

"In addition, it seems that a Special General Annual Meeting has been convened by the non-recognized elected IABF Secretary General in a place outside New Delhi and apparently without invitations sent to all stakeholders (clubs), this to discuss and approve the constitution," Dr Wu wrote.

"It goes without saying that should IABF persists in illegal actions which are totally against ethics, AIBA will have no choice than to extend the suspension imposed on IABF as long as necessary," he said.

Photograph: Murad Sezer/Reuters