International Boxing Day brings together athletes, coaches, officials and fans from every corner of the sport — and this year, some of boxing’s most recognisable names have shared what the day means to them.

From former world champions Roy Jones Jr and Shannon Briggs to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, as well as Rasheda Ali and Nico Ali, the daughter and grandson of Muhammad Ali, the messages carried a common theme: boxing changes lives, builds character and connects generations.

For Roy Jones Jr, the sport remains deeply personal.

“I’m thrilled to wish everyone a Happy International Boxing Day,” Jones said. “Boxing gave me my very first start in this life.

“I’m happy to see the IBA thriving and giving young talents the chance to prove themselves. Under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, the organisation is moving in the right direction, and I am proud of the achievements of those who represent the IBA.

“Believe in yourself and never give up. Boxing will reward you in return.”

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Shannon Briggs delivered his message in unmistakable style.

“Happy International Boxing Day to everyone in the boxing family,” Briggs said. “Boxing has given me so much in life, and I’m proud to represent this great sport.

“Keep fighting, keep believing and never give up. Let’s go, champ!”

In a separate message, Briggs reflected on the wider impact boxing has had around the world.

“Boxing has changed my life and so many people around the world,” he said. “This is our day. Shout out to the IBA. Let’s go, champ!”

The Ali family: character, discipline and generations

The legacy of Muhammad Ali was represented by his daughter Rasheda Ali and grandson Nico Ali, who both reflected on the values boxing can pass from one generation to the next.

“My father always said this sport builds character before anything else — discipline, respect, heart,” Rasheda Ali said. “That’s still true today, in every corner of the IBA family.”

Nico Ali added that the sport’s ability to unite people remains one of its greatest strengths.

“Growing up around boxing, I’ve seen how it brings people together, generation after generation,” he said.

“So wherever you’re watching from — keep training, keep believing and celebrate this incredible sport with us. You guys at the IBA stand for the best in the world of boxing.

“Happy International Boxing Day, from our family to yours.”

Beterbiev and Bivol send their wishes to the boxing community

Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev also congratulated everyone connected with the sport, placing particular emphasis on past, present and future generations.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in boxing on Boxing Day,” Beterbiev said. “I wish all veterans, current boxers and future boxers all the very best. I hope everything works out for you.”

Dmitry Bivol addressed not only boxers, but the entire community around the sport.

“I congratulate all boxing fans, boxers, coaches and officials on Boxing Day,” Bivol said.

“I wish everyone good health, as many great moments as possible in the year ahead, and I encourage everyone to practise boxing and love the sport. Happy Boxing Day!”

Valuev: boxing is an art

Former heavyweight world champion Nikolai Valuev marked International Boxing Day while attending major boxing competitions in Russia, including the Russian Men’s Boxing Championships in Saransk and a national youth tournament in Saint Petersburg bearing his name.

Valuev used the occasion to underline both the competitive and cultural importance of the sport.

“Boxing is an art,” Valuev said. “Love boxing, watch boxing.”

He also highlighted the role that youth competitions can play in shaping future champions, recalling athletes he first saw as children who later progressed to senior national level.

“For many of them, over the 17 years this tournament has been held, it has become a springboard,” Valuev said. “I meet these athletes later in life, already as adults.”

Speaking from Saransk, he noted that the Russian Championships had brought together leading athletes from across the country and described the occasion as part of a much larger celebration.

“All of this is united today by one huge international celebration — International Boxing Day,” Valuev said. “The entire boxing community around the world is celebrating it in one way or another.”

Happy International Boxing Day

From world champions to members of boxing’s most famous families, the messages shared one simple idea: the sport continues to inspire people across generations and around the world.

International Boxing Day is a chance to celebrate everyone who is part of boxing — athletes, coaches, officials and fans — and to look forward to the next chapter of the sport.