WABA performance director James Thomas remained hopeful the two boxers, who joined the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) new Pro Boxing (APB) competition last year, would be able to represent Wales at the upcoming Commonwealth Games despite no provision in their contracts to do so.

"This is ongoing with Fred and Andrew and we hope they will be available," Thomas said.

"They are great characters and are world class boxers who would be genuine medal hopefuls."

The APB, alongside AIBA's World Series of Boxing (WSB), is the only competition in the world that allows athletes to compete on a professional basis while also remaining eligible to compete at the Olympic Games.

APB allows boxers, such as Fred Evans, to still compete at the Olympics although no provision is made for the Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images


There is, however, no provision for competitors to compete at the Commonwealth Games, a point reiterated by the AIBA.

"I can confirm that by the point 1.3 of the AIBA Pro Boxing Competition Rules all boxers which have signed for AIBA Pro Boxing will not be eligible for any AIBA Open Boxing competition apart from boxing tournaments that form part of the Olympic Games and boxing tournaments that form part of the multisport continental Games," an AIBA spokesperson told insidethegames.

"Therefore no APB boxer will be eligible for the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

The news is likely to come as a big blow to WABA as Selby - a two-time World Championships medallist - and Olympic silver medallist Evans have both enjoyed much success on the international scene and would have been strong medal hopes for Wales in Glasgow. 

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