2012 boxing home still unknown; IOC defend equestrian venue

INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee officials have extended the deadline for finalising London's 2012 venues.

IOC'S FELLI: Olympic boxing could still be staged at Wembley Arena - if concerns over travel times are overcome (Getty Images)

IOC director Gilbert Felli, in London for this week's fourth visit by Denis Oswald's co-ordination committee, had previously set a deadline of the end of last month for all venues to be confirmed.

But boxing's home has still to be decided - with a proposed switch from London's Excel to Wembley Arena, 16 miles and one hour traveling time from the Olympic Village, still being discussed.

If boxing does move to north London, badminton - which is currently scheduled to be staged in a £20 million temporary venue adjacent to the O2, formerly Millennium Dome, would take its place at the Excel centre in Docklands.

"We have received confirmation of all the venues, with the exception of boxing," said Oswald, at the conclusion of his three-day inspection of London's Olympic preparations.

"We are confident a resolution will soon be found. Wembley is a superb venue but there is concerns about traveling time for the athletes from the Olympic Village.

"They (London 2012 organisers) are trying not to spend money when it's not necessary."

The Amateur Boxing Association of England had initially opposed the move but have softened their stance in recent weeks.

"We want to find an amicable solution to it but want to make sure we have best conditions for our boxers and that there is a proper legacy for boxing way beyond 2012," said president Richard Caborn, the UK Sport Minister when London was awarded the Games in 2005.

Despite legacy playing a key role in London's successful Olympic bid, organisers have deflected criticism of their choice of venues for both equestrian and shooting.

Both are being staged in temporary venues at Greenwich Park and the nearby Royal Barracks respectively.

British Shooting lobbied hard for shooting to the staged at Bisley - their headquarters in Surrey, meaning long-term benefits for the sport.

While residents in Greenwich have campaigned against events being staged in the park, claiming it's too small and public access will be severely restricted.

"Greenwich is the final choice of Locog and it's been approved by the international equestrian federation," added Oswald.

"The legacy element of London is a strong element for the reason the Games were awarded.

"We are confident the targets set on legacy will be achieved."

JAMES TONEY