Aiba chief Wu resigns in wake of financial scandal
LAUSANNE: Taiwanese Wu Ching-ko, the head of amateur boxing’s governing body, has resigned after a power struggle involving accusations of financial mismanagement.
A joint statement from the International Boxing Association (Aiba) and Mr Wu said: “After 11 years as Aiba president, Wu has decided to step down from his position.”
The statement said both parties had “amicably agreed to resolve the management issues within Aiba and to withdraw and terminate all related pending procedures before civil courts and Aiba disciplinary commission”.
Wu said he had taken the decision to walk away “for the sport I love and have dedicated my life to”.
He said he was acting “in the best interests of both Aiba and boxing” and said he was committed to “a smooth handover” to the new leadership.
Italy’s Franco Falcinelli will remain interim president.
Wu also resigned from the International Olympic Committee executive board, an IOC spokesperson said.
Wu, who represented Summer Games sports federations on the board, retains the IOC membership he has held for 29 years.
In a bitter struggle within boxing, Wu’s rivals said he had racked up debts worth 15 million Swiss francs (approximately 496 million baht).
But Wu had insisted the Aiba was financially healthy and accused his detractors of mounting “a military coup”.
Meanwhile, David Haye has pulled out of his all-British heavyweight rematch with Tony Bellew because of injury.
Haye said he tore a bicep muscle in a “freak accident’’ during a conditioning session.
Haye said the fight, which was scheduled for Dec 17, will now take place on March 24 or May 5.