(Beijing, November 18) In an interview with the media during the 2007 International Boxing Invitational Tournament on November 18, Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), explained the major difference between amateur and professional boxing and said that the four-round, two-minute system adopted in amateur boxing was out of concern for boxers' safety.

According to the AIBA President, medical statistics show that a boxer can best concentrate on the fighting within two minutes. Many knockdowns happened or injuries were sustained at the third minute or later. For amateur boxers, they have to wear head protectors and their gloves become heavier with better quality so as to minimize the risks of injury. At the recent World Boxing Championships held in Chicago, the United States, over 500 matches were contested and only one or two boxers got injured. From TV broadcasters' point of view, Wu explained, the four-round match with three three-minute intervals instead of the original three-round match with two two-minute intervals will not affect TV commercials at all, rather they will be beneficial to placing TV commercials. Moreover, he said, a round lasting two minutes can better draw the attention of the viewers.

Wu revealed that the AIBA Reform Commission had once proposed that the AIBA readopt the three-round, three-minute system. But he said that no changes would be made before a detailed report is delivered by the AIBA Medical Commission. Since several Olympic Games have been held under this competition system, it has been well received among the most people.

As regards the difference between amateur and professional boxing, Wu said that professional boxers wear no head protectors and their gloves are thin and light, and that their heavy blows make the matches more exciting and thrilling to the viewers. However, he said, this can not be used as the Olympic standards, or the AIBA will face great challenges. "The AIBA will always place top priority on the safety of boxers," he added.