Why are pro boxers not allowed to compete in the olympics when pro tennis players can?

Question

yes, i know that they often compete in olympics before they turn pro.

for example, harrison and kahn for the uk won gold and silver respectively.

but shortly after they turned pro but by turning pro they no longer can compete in the next olympics.

why

??

Answer 1

different sports have different rules. and different countries' olympic committees have different rules. for instance when usa basketball finally allowed pro players in 1992 most of the rest of the world had already been allowing pro players for some time.

there are also different age restrictions for different sports. gymnastics has a minimum age of 16 but volleyball and swimming have had athletes as young as 14. so it just depends on the sport.  

Answer 2

They're too stupid to fill in the application form?

Answer 3

I think I remember hearing somewhere it is because they are afraid that professional boxers may seriously hurt an amateur boxer. It does make sense. Professional boxers are a lot stronger than their amateur counterparts. It would be dangerous to allow an amateur to compete against professionals because of it.

Answer 4

Pro boxers DO compete in the olympics. Ever heard of Cuba?

Answer 5

alot of  pro boxers have already competed in the olympics before they turn pro.

Answer 6

Cause they don't want the Olympic boxers' ears to get bitten off.