Aaron Cook has insisted that he had "no other option" but to switch his allegiance from Great Britain to Moldova in order to try to compete at the Olympics.
The British fighter was overlooked in 2012 in favour of Lutalo Muhammad, who went on to win bronze, and since his rejection, Cook has refused to represent Team GB in international competition.
However, Cook has now gained a Moldovan passport, despite having no links to the country, and the Dorest competitor has signalled his intent to try to feature in Brazil in 2016.
In a statement, the 24-year-old said: "I will soon begin a new journey representing the Republic of Moldova at all international competitions and hopefully the Rio Olympic games and beyond, should I qualify.
"Although I am upset and disappointed I will not represent my country of birth at another major championships, I felt I had no other option."
The British Olympic Association has reportedly indicated that it could attempt to block the move.
Darren Plant
