Baku named fourth Asian franchise for world team event

Baku, in Azerbaijan, has been named the fourth and final Asian franchise for this year's inaugural World Series of Boxing, the international city-based series aimed at bridging the gap between Olympic and professional boxing.

Baku joined Kazakhstan capital Astana, Beijing and Delhi as a franchise holder for the competition staged by the sport's governing body AIBA.

Azerbaijan Boxing Federation vice-president Suleyman Mikaylov heralded the move.

"All boxers, coaches and national federations will benefit from this project, because it is future-oriented," he told the WSB's website.

The competition will involve 12 teams in three regions — Asia, Europe and the Americas — competing for a place in the playoffs and the chance to become the World Champion team.

The European and American teams are still to be announced.