By Frank Warren

NEWS this week is that professional boxing could feature at the 2016 Olympics in Rio - but I can't see how it's a good idea.

The IOC confirmed it was discussing the move with the International Amateur Boxing Association. But where would it leave the amateur sport?

Over the years, sports such as tennis have been introduced to the Olympics, even though Roger Federer and Co would prefer to win Wimbledon than a gold medal.

Pro boxers have world titles to aim for - and their side of the sport is completely different to the amateur set-up.

Even without the headguards, it's two different styles.

Will only "novice" pros with a certain amount of fights be allowed to compete, or can we expect to see Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao pulling on a vest and headguard?

There could be a few amateurs running for cover if that's the case.

I know the proposals haven't gone down too well with members of the ABA, even though plans are afoot to allow some professionals to fight in amateur competitions in the next few years.

The IOC says that it "encourages the participation of the best athletes" - but boxing already works as an Olympic sport and it's supposed to be about the best amateur athletes.

For London 2012, tickets were oversubscribed - boxing is always an event the public get behind.

Audley Harrison, Amir Khan and James DeGale became household names after getting on the podium at Sydney, Athens and Beijing.

In the past, Cubans and Eastern Europeans led the way in amateur boxing because their fighters had huge funding programmes and weren't allowed to turn pro.

The gap has narrowed though with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and more funds available in Western Europe, especially in the UK.

I'm all for innovation and trying to improve a product. But as far as amateur boxing goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER visits London on Monday to promote his Las Vegas fight with Victor Ortiz on September 17.

Last time he came over, thousands watched him train at the East End's Peacock Gym.

What he made of jellied eels is unclear, but his ego would have liked the reception.

I'M meeting Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer on Monday to discuss a possible fight between WBO super-featherweight champ Ricky Burns and Adrien Broner.

US hotshot Broner is his No 1 challenger.