A new boxing and fitness centre launched with the support of the International Boxing Association (IBA) will open in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 17 October 2026 as part of IBA’s efforts to develop grassroots boxing. 

IBA Fit will offer training programmes for children and adults, professional athletes and beginners, with subsidised access for families and individuals who may otherwise struggle to afford sporting activities.

Located at 8th Miron Shah Passage, House 18, Building 1, the centre will provide a modern training environment designed to make boxing and physical fitness accessible to people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The official opening ceremony will feature world and Olympic boxing champions among its VIP guests, alongside entertainment, competitions and opportunities for visitors to meet athletes and coaches. The programme will also include a light buffet, photo and video coverage, a celebratory cake and gifts for attendees.

Modern facilities for boxing and fitness

Covering approximately 400 square metres, the centre will feature a dedicated boxing area, a functional training zone and a running area. The facilities will be fitted with the latest training technology, including Italian-made Technogym equipment designed to support strength, conditioning and full-body workouts.

The complex will also include cafés serving Naga national diet cuisine, providing visitors with additional food options alongside their training activities.

IBA Fit will offer both boxing and Jeet Kune Do, a martial art developed by Bruce Lee that combines punches and kicks with throws. Its training philosophy emphasises anticipating an opponent’s movements, adapting to changing situations and using efficient techniques.

Programmes will cater for beginners, seasoned boxers and national team athletes, with group training, small-group sessions and individual coaching available. Separate classes will also be organised for women, children and teenagers.

Experienced coaches to lead training programmes

The centre’s coaching team will include established boxing specialists, among them coaches who have worked in Moscow and a specialist from Cuba.

Azer and Gasan Yusifov will be among the instructors offering boxing training. Both have more than ten years of experience in the sport, hold the title of Candidate for Master of Sports and have achieved success in national tournaments. They also have a strong background in karate.

Jeet Kune Do classes will be led by IBA Fit founder Ekhson Normukhammedov, a Master of Sports of International Class and two-time world and Asian champion.

Alongside technical instruction, the coaching programmes will focus on developing physical fitness, coordination, discipline and sporting skills, helping participants progress according to their individual abilities and goals.

Making sport accessible to everyone

An important part of the centre’s mission will be to provide opportunities for people who face financial barriers to participating in sport.

“Classes at IBA Fit will be offered on both a paid and subsidised basis. The subsidised category includes low-income families, large families and orphans — those who cannot afford to pay for training,” Ekhson Normukhammedov, founder and head of IBA Fit, said.

The centre will welcome participants of all fitness levels, from those taking their first steps in boxing to experienced competitors preparing for national and international tournaments.

By combining professional coaching, modern facilities and subsidised training opportunities, IBA Fit aims to encourage wider participation in boxing and promote an active lifestyle within the local community.