Lausanne, Switzerland, 6th March, 2026: The International Boxing Association (IBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Freeman as IBA Bare‑Knuckle Director, marking a significant step in the structured development and governance of bare‑knuckle boxing within the IBA framework.

Jim Freeman is widely recognised as a founder and pioneer of modern professional bare‑knuckle boxing. In 2015, he co‑founded BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing) in the United Kingdom, which became the world’s first fully sanctioned professional bare‑knuckle boxing promotion. Under his leadership, BKB played a decisive role in bringing bare‑knuckle boxing out of illegality and into a regulated, medically supervised, and internationally broadcast sport.

Through BKB, Freeman helped establish robust operational standards covering fighter safety, medical protocols, officiating, matchmaking, and event regulation, setting benchmarks that influenced the global bare‑knuckle boxing landscape. The promotion successfully delivered more than 40 professional events, staged at major venues including London’s Indigo at The O2 and Liverpool Echo Arena, with broadcasts reaching audiences in over 35 countries worldwide. BKB also expanded internationally, hosting events in locations such as Thailand, reinforcing its global footprint.

In 2024, BKB was acquired by BYB Extreme Bare Knuckle Fighting Series, further validating the commercial and sporting foundations laid by Freeman. He remained in an executive role, overseeing European operations and international development, and continued to be regarded as one of the key architects of the modern bare‑knuckle movement.

In his new role with IBA, Freeman will be responsible for strategic leadership of IBA’s Bare‑Knuckle Boxing programme, including:

• Development of technical and competition rules
• Establishment of global safety and medical standards
• Integration of bare‑knuckle boxing within IBA’s wider governance structures
• Support for national federations and event organisers
• Long‑term growth and professionalisation of the discipline worldwide

IBA President Umar Kremlev said: “Jim Freeman is one of the true pioneers of modern bare‑knuckle boxing. He has already done what many believed was impossible – transforming an unregulated activity into a professional, sanctioned sport. His experience, credibility, and knowledge make him the ideal person to lead IBA’s bare‑knuckle boxing development.”

IBA Secretary General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE added: “Jim’s appointment reflects IBA’s determination to bring structure, credibility, and proper governance to every discipline under our umbrella. He has proven, through action, that bare‑knuckle boxing can be regulated responsibly, with athlete safety, integrity, and professionalism at its core. His experience as a founder and operator gives IBA exactly the expertise required to develop bare‑knuckle boxing in a sustainable and globally consistent manner.”

Jim Freeman commented: “I am proud to join the International Boxing Association as IBA Bare‑Knuckle Director. IBA’s global reach and commitment to structure, safety, and athletes aligns with everything we fought for when building BKB. I look forward to helping IBA establish a clear, credible and sustainable future for bare‑knuckle boxing worldwide.”

The appointment reflects IBA’s commitment to bringing emerging combat disciplines under professional governance, ensuring athlete welfare, transparency, and long‑term sustainability while respecting the historical roots of boxing.

About the International Boxing Association (IBA)

The International Boxing Association (IBA) is the world governing body for boxing, overseeing international competitions, technical standards, and development programmes across its global membership. IBA is committed to athlete protection, fair competition, and the global growth of boxing in all its forms.