England Boxing hosts the 2016 AIBA Commissions at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club, where an innovative approach promises to increase participation and improve communications among boxing bodies.

The 8 commissions gathered in Manchester this week to discuss three crucial issues facing the sport: headguard removal, competition structure and pro-eligibility. The discussions were held in the spirit of the innovative HeadsUp! campaign, the ongoing initiative launched in 2015 to propagate a greater responsibility for the health of AIBA boxers and the nurturing of their careers from inception through to retirement and beyond.

“AIBA’s 70th year is the perfect time to rejuvinate the annual meeting of our commissions. The topics under debate and discussion affect every level of our sport so it is vital that all of our commissions are heard on these crucial issues. The HeadsUp campaign has made important inroads and we look forward to acting on the valuable opinions we have heard over the past days here in Manchester”, said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu after addressing the 110 attendees.