Shortly before the start of the Games, AIBA learnt that some American boxers had already entered into agreements to compete in professional fights via the website of Golden Boy Promotions, a company owned by American boxing legend and Barcelona 1992 gold medallist Oscar de la Hoya (pictured above), who is now one of the biggest boxing promoters in the world.

The website said that it would show the professional debuts of the fighters following the Olympics, with highly rated American bantamweight Joseph Diaz Junior and lightweight José Ramírez rumoured to be the two fighters in question.

The statement on the website appeared to be in violation of Rule 2.4.3 of the AIBA Technical & Competition Rules.

Rule 2.4.3 says: "Any Boxer who enters into a contract, memorandum of understanding, pre-agreement or any other form of agreement, with an entity or individual other than AIBA (or any entity that is an affiliate or subsidiary of AIBA), related to such Boxer's future participation in professional boxing or any other professional combat sport than boxing, shall not be eligible to participate in any AIBA Approved or Controlled Event at any level including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Olympic Games."

AIBA requested immediate clarification on the boxers' eligibility from both the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and USA Boxing.

Joseph Diaz Jr of USA (L) in action against Lazaro Alvarez Estrada of Cuba during the men's bantamweight boxing on day 5 of the London 2012 Olympics

But in a letter received on Tuesday (July 31), USOC and USA Boxing confirmed that no member of the USA Boxing team currently participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games had actually violated Rule 2.4.3.

All of the 12 US boxers participating at London 2012 also signed a statement saying that they had not entered into any agreements.

"AIBA would like to thank USOC and USA Boxing for their swift action in clarifying this situation," said AIBA President C K Wu.

"We are committed to ensuring complete transparency and that our rules are adhered to at all times.

"AIBA takes this opportunity to express again its commitment to ensuring that its rules are observed and to fight against any kind of rule violation."

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