Earlier this week, AIBA president Dr Ching-Kuo Wu revealed that plans are in motion for professional boxers to become eligible to represent their respective countries at the 2016 Olympics.

Wu is keen to abolish rules that currently stop any fighter with 15 or more paid bouts from competing in the showpiece event and added that it was "absolutely possible" for that to be pushed through before August.

The qualifying process for Rio is already well underway, with around 60 boxers booking their spots in Brazil.

The planned change gained more coverage earlier this week when Wladimir Klitschko, who won super-heavyweight gold at the 1996 Olympics, revealed that he "would love" to participate in the event once again.

It is understood that the proposed change will be officially ratified by AIBA in May and if pushed through, would allow professionals to enter the final qualifying tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan one month later.

British promoter Eddie Hearn recently told reporters: "I think you might get some mid-level professionals having a crack at it but I don't think you are going to get the elite guys."

The new proposal would also make it theoretically possible for Anthony Joshua to defend the heavyweight title that he won at London 2012.

"We want the best boxers to come to the Olympic Games. It is AIBA's 70th birthday and we want something to change - not after four years, but now," Wu said in an official statement.

"It is an IOC policy to have the best athletes in the Games and of the international federations, AIBA is probably the only one without professional athletes in the Olympics. We already have our own professionals, APB and WSB boxers, in the Games - [and] we will go further."

With that in mind, Sports Mole has spoken to five select members of the current Team GB boxing squad to learn their views on the proposal.

Middleweight Anthony Fowler, Commonwealth Games gold medallist:

"All I'd say at the moment is I don't think it will happen this Olympics - too soon. Also it makes amateur boxing pointless because I've only been waiting for the Olympics the last few years."

Super heavyweight Joe Joyce, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, European Games gold medallist:

"Well I would be majorly disappointed if that where to happen, the system currently has a four-year cycle where we are tied in to a contract.

"For a pro to jump into the mix and take your Olympic spot would be tough. It works to allow the new rising stars to soak in the limelight on such a great event in history. Then from that to turn a page to a new chapter as a professional. Why not call it Olympic boxing as we are not amateur!"

Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq, Commonwealth Games silver medallist:

"I think it's a ridiculous idea so close to the Olympics and such a big decision made so early to the Olympics would be stupid. That's why it won't work."

Welterweight Josh Kelly, European Games bronze medallist:

"I think it is an unfair decision as they haven't had to make a national squad or be eligible to enter qualifiers, they can enter off their own back.

"However, that is not necessarily an advantage because they'll be a lot slower than us amateurs and the three rounds might seem too fast as it is boxed at a higher pace."

Flyweight Muhammad Ali, European Championships silver medallist:

"Personally think it's a joke and don't think many pros would be able to fight at a three-round pace because they're used to the slower 12-round pace so think many of them would struggle if it was to happen, but I don't think it will happen."