Rio punchers will be aiming to get a head

For the first time in more than 30 years, male boxers won't be wearing protective headgear at the Olympics.

The International Boxing Association, known as AIBA, adopted the change for amateur fighters three years ago, and the decision was widely considered a formality for the upcoming competition in Rio de Janeiro.

The move received official clearance on Tuesday when the International Olympic Committee executive board said it was up to AIBA to apply its own rules and the IOC would not interfere.