The 2016 edition of the Youth World Championships, the competition that has traditionally been a rich breeding ground for the stars of the future, will unite more than 350 boxers aged 17 and 18 from around the world for ten days of competition in Saint Petersburg.

The Sibur Arena in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg will be buzzing with expectation today as the next generation of future boxing stars takes to the ring for ten days of competition at the AIBA Youth World Championships. One of the most important events in the AIBA calendar, the tournament has traditionally been a platform for future World and Olympic Champions at the elite level, and the 351 boxers born in 1998 and 1999 who have registered for the competition will be looking to follow in their idols’ footsteps.

“The Youth World Championships have always offered an important insight into the next wave of talented athletes ready to take the major step into elite-level boxing,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu. “With the help of the LOC, we are ready to deliver another first-class tournament that reflects the dedication of these young boxers who represent the future of our sport.”

Previous medalists at the Youth World Championships include Cuba’s two-time Olympic champion Robeisy Ramirez, the USA’s Rio 2016 silver medalist Shakur Stevenson and French Super Heavyweight Olympic champion Tony Yoka. Kazakhstan’s Ivan Dychko, China’s  Lu Bin and Croatia’s most successful Olympic boxer of all time, Filip Hrgovic, all forged strong reputations at the competition that first adopted its current format in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2008.

“The 62 countries represented by the 351 boxers who have made it here to Saint Petersburg are testament to our continuing work at AIBA to nourish the grassroots of the sport, especially in those areas where resources are harder to come by. I wish all of the boxers good luck and trust that the dedication that has got them this far will fuel long, successful careers,” said AIBA President Dr Wu.

Under the umbrella of AIBA’s continuing Headsup initiative to develop education, sustainability and grassroots within the sport, an anti-doping seminar was held ahead of the tournament, as well as a course for APB and WSB officials. A cutman seminar completed the series of training sessions, providing teams with essential instruction on the latest hand-wrapping techniques. The initiatives will continuously grow in 2017 to enhance expertise  across the board.

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