Tom Virgets will discuss IOC relations at meetings in Istanbul ©AIBA

The International Boxing Association's (AIBA) relationship with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be the key issue discussed at AIBA Executive Committee meetings due to start in Istanbul tomorrow, with the sport's place at Tokyo 2020 remaining uncertain.

Two days of talks are planned in the Turkish city but top billing has been given to "Relations with IOC" as the organisation battles to remain involved with the Olympic programme. 

In November, the IOC froze all planning for the sport at Tokyo 2020 and formed an Inquiry Committee to investigate AIBA.

This was due to ongoing issues with AIBA's governance, financial management and the integrity of its competitions.

Chief among the IOC's stumbling blocks is the permanent election of Gafur Rakhimov as AIBA President in November, despite him being described as "one of Uzbekistan's leading criminals" by the United States Treasury Department.

Rakhimov has denied any wrongdoing while AIBA have insisted that they are making progress in various areas.

Tom Virgets, the AIBA executive director, will give a report in Istanbul on "IOC relations".

There will also be the opportunity for discussions and proposals on the issue by Executive Committee members.

The IOC told insidethegames last month that the Inquiry Committee was "progressing" with its work and had held its first meeting. 

They hope to hold a boxing tournament in Tokyo but this could go ahead without AIBA's involvement. 

Boxing's Olympic future is likely to dominate discussions ©Getty Images
Boxing's Olympic future is likely to dominate discussions ©Getty Images

Virgets has called for the process to be sped up as a qualification system for any Tokyo 2020 tournament has not been decided.

He told insidethegames that boxers were "suffering".

Rakhimov will make an opening address in Istanbul, while Russia's Umar Kremlev will present a proposal to hold an "International Boxing Day".

Rule changes regarding the eligibility of professional boxers are also set to be discussed after a request from Germany's Jürgen Kyas.

It was controversially decided that professionals could compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but no big names went on to compete.

Kyas will also discuss rules on wearing the hijab during competition. 

Also on the agenda is the election process for the Athletes' Commission and the confirmation of various chairs and members for other panels.

A report will be made on last year's Women's World Championships in New Delhi, where Kosovo were unable to compete after Indian authorities refused to issue visas to their delegation.

Members will also look ahead to this year's Men's and Women's World Championships.

Both are scheduled to be held in Russia - in Yekaterinburg and Ulan-Ude respectively.