A host of the biggest names from across the sport descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the International Boxing Association (IBA).

IBA President, Umar Kremlev, joined on stage by pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford and heavyweight icon Tyson Fury, laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the globally-renowned organization, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.

‘I’m thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,’ said Kremlev, at the star-studded gathering.

‘Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that IBA is their boxing home. Wherever the boxer is in the world, the IBA will support them. This is our main goal. We also understand that it is our duty to create opportunities for children, who will gain positive development from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families,’ President claimed.

‘We are now creating an ecosystem that includes amateur boxing, professional boxing and bare-knuckle boxing. Why bare-knuckle boxing? That is where it began. It’s the history of boxing. We, as IBA, want to regulate bareknuckle boxing and help to create opportunities for the fighters.’

With the press conference taking place just hours before the highly-anticipated WBA/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and Liverpool’s James ‘Jazza’ Dickens, live on DAZN, the topic of professional boxing — and IBA’s rapid-growing professional arm, IBA.Pro, also took center stage.

The competition, which features some of the world’s finest amateur boxers as well as established professionals from across the globe, seeks to pit top tier opposition against one another in a series of action-packed, highly competitive match-ups.

‘The IBA has become an incredible home for me to express our unique vision,’ said Al Siesta, Director of IBA Pro.

‘This is like Real Madrid — you go through the amateur ranks, you earn your stripes and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you. When it comes to the governing bodies, we are open for collaboration. This is not a competition, we want to welcome them and work with everyone. As time goes by, we will develop our ranking system which will be formed based purely on one’s ability. If you can fight, then IBA.Pro is the place for you.’

Long-considered the prominent powerhouse of the amateur system, IBA remains steadfast in its support for fighters on their journey to the highest levels of the unpaid ranks.

By incentivising competitors with sizeable prize money, as well as providing an unparalleled support system for its athletes, IBA ensures no stone is left unturned in its quest to bring through the next generation of superstars within the sport.

‘Our President, Mr Umar Kremlev has done a sterling job over the past few years,’ said IBA Secretary General & CEO, Chris Roberts OBE.

‘IBA is a full hybrid platform. We now have a true ecosystem that manages schoolboys and schoolgirls from the amateurs right the way through to professional boxing. The aim is to provide a platform for success to kids of tomorrow, who can see those stars on TV and then compete and become champions themselves.

‘The operational ability of our organization is huge. We’re not here to show anything to anybody, we just want to go out there and do it. On the amateur side, we have the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships this year in the UAE, and what you will see is the build-up to those events.

Roberts continued, ‘The IBA Golden Era is something we have been moving towards for a long time. It’s great to have everyone here to experience things first-hand. We continue to work hard and support our National Federations. Umar [Kremlev] has invested millions into federations who had nothing — all to continue the work with kids and champions of tomorrow.’

Among the gathering of stars was four-weight world champion Terence Crawford who, just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, took time out from his busy schedule to attend the conference in support of IBA and its leader, Umar Kremlev.

‘It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.

‘There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.’

Ahead of his bout with ‘Canelo’ in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.

‘I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on 13 September.’

Former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, also in attendance, credited both Crawford and Alvarez for their blockbuster showdown, heaping praise on the pair for continuing to keep boxing in the limelight.

‘I think it’s a fantastic fight for boxing,’ stated Fury.

‘It’s two of the biggest names in boxing coming together. Two men, pride on the line and everything to fight for. They’re two proud champions and I wish them all the best. They’re going to go in there, do their best, entertain the public and provide for their families — and that’s what it’s all about.’

Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) banner, gave a passionate speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.

‘Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.’

‘I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money. We fight for the biggest purse — and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.’

With ‘The Gypsy King’ still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker as he asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title.

‘Of course. 100%,’ Fury confirmed.

‘Show me the money, Umar [Kremlev]! I haven’t got an IBA.Pro belt, but I’m available — I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle!’

_______________

Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport