GB Boxing Name Interim Chairman
Richard Thomas, chief executive of Amateur Boxing Scotland, has been named as the interim chairman of the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) while the search goes on for a permanent successor for Derek Mapp.
Mapp was forced to resign last month after being voted out by the ABS and the Amateur Boxing Association of England last month.
UK Sport reportedly expressed their concern at the way Mapp was removed and threatened to redirect more than £10.4 million of its funding set aside for the BABA for the Rio 2016 Olympics into an alternative Special Purpose Vehicle.
However following talks between the parties, a deal has now been reached that will see the BABA continue to receive funding.
Thomas said: ‘We are very happy with the outcome and look forward to the on-going success of the World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) and creating opportunities for the best young boxers produced by England, Scotland and Wales to progress their talent and win medals on the international stage.’
‘We welcome the additional funding from the WCPP for talent pathways which will strengthen the link between elite boxing and grass roots activity.’
According to media reports, it appears unlikely that Thomas will be awarded the role on a permanent basis given that UK Sport, who are leading the recruitment of a new independent chair, are searching for a candidate who has not been affiliated with the ABAE, ABS or the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association for the last four years.
