TOP trainer Tony Borg has poured cold water on the possibility of big-name boxers like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao competing at the Olympic Games.

Since 2013, professionals with fewer than 15 paid bouts under their belts have been eligible to go to the Olympics and fight alongside amateurs.

However, Dr Ching-Kuo Wu, president of the sport’s governing body, the AIBA, wants to see all full-time pros given the chance to represent their country at the Games.

The AIBA chief has said it is “absolutely possible” that the changes could come into play in time for the Rio Olympics later this year.

But Borg, who coaches professionals and amateurs at St Joseph’s Boxing Club in Newport, does not see the superstars of the ring getting involved.

“The whole idea is backwards,” he said. “Take Floyd Mayweather for example, he is at the highest level of world sport.

“He is not going to come down to three rounds against an amateur where he could possibly be out-pointed.

“He has built a legacy in boxing and is not going to risk it over a three-round contest.

“There is no comparison between fighting over 12 rounds and three rounds.

“It’s like a local five-a-side team. If they played Manchester United at Wembley they would be thrashed, but if it was on their own school yard they’d have a chance.

“Boxing is a sport where you progress naturally from the amateurs and competing for medals at the Commonwealths and Olympics to turning pro and going for world titles.”

Borg reckons that professionals competing at the Olympics is “probably going to happen” given competitions like the World Series of Boxing (WSB).

Two of Borg’s amateurs, Joe Cordina and Sean McGoldrick, have their sights set on making Rio and following in the footsteps of countryman Fred Evans who claimed silver at London 2012.

European champion Cordina and Commonwealth Games gold medallist McGoldrick are also part of the British Lionhearts team competing in the WSB.

“In the WSB, they don’t wear head guards, they don’t wear vests, and they get paid for fighting,” added Borg.

“The WSB is working okay and it’s like a stepping stone between the amateurs and pros.”