The British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) has announced an agreement for Betfair to become its Official Gaming Partner.

The deal includes sponsorship of the men and women's Sheffield-based GB Boxing teams who will provide content for Betfair's editorial offering and social media channels, as well as appearing at a series of promotional events to raise awareness of the partnership. 

It extends Betfair's relationship with the BABA which began in November 2011 when the online gaming and betting company sponsored the GB Amateur Boxing Championships.

The BABA's headquarters and purpose built training facility is at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield (EIS Sheffield).

Derek Mapp, Executive Chairman, BABA said:  "Betfair's decision to extend its relationship with GB Boxing is a sign of its confidence in both the GB Boxing team and the health of the amateur sport in this country where it is delivering success at both the grassroots and the elite level."

Five members of the GB Boxing squad who train at EIS Sheffield have already qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games: Andrew Selby, Luke Campbell, Tom Stalker, Fred Evans and Anthony Joshua.

GB Boxing's women will have a chance to qualify at the World Championships in May.  The men that have not yet qualified will get a second opportunity at a European Qualifying event in Trabzon this month.

Betfair's Head of UK Brand Marketing, Andy Lulham explained: "It's an exciting time to be involved with BABA. There are a number of promising boxers in its ranks who are more than capable of delivering success in what I'm sure will be a standout year for the sport."

Six of the GB Boxing squad are ranked in the top five in the world at their respective weight categories and in 2011, male and female boxers from the GB Boxing squad won 45 medals in 11 elite international competitions.  This included three gold medals, four silver and four bronze at the men's World and European Championships and the Women's European Championships.

Betfair join the BABA's roster of commercial relationships which include Nutrition Partner, Lucozade Sport and Technical Partner, adidas. To mark the launch of the partnership, the betting exchange has filmed a viral featuring Anthony Joshua, Tom Stalker and Luke Campbell.