There are moments in sport when adversity threatens to define the future. The true measure of leadership, however, is not how an organisation performs in times of comfort, but how it responds to those challenges.

Through adversity comes reset. From reset comes challenge. From challenge comes the ability to overcome. It is within this journey that we witness one of the finest international sporting organisations in the world today.

The International Boxing Association continues to deliver at every level of the boxing landscape, creating opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials, National Federations and the generations that will follow. Every decision we make is underpinned by a simple principle; athletes must remain at the heart of our sport.

Over the past 18 months, IBA has continued to evolve at pace. Governance reforms have strengthened organisational accountability, operational structures have been enhanced, and education programmes have expanded across all areas of the boxing family. The organisation has increased support mechanisms for National Federations through its development initiatives, while continuing to invest in long-term sustainability and growth.

Today, we are seeing the emergence of a truly integrated boxing ecosystem. IBA’s competition pathway continues to expand, providing meaningful opportunities with new initiatives, including the continued growth of IBA Pro, the development of Bare-Knuckle Boxing, IBA Nomad, and enhanced competition structures, are creating more opportunities than ever before for athletes around the world. 

Recent announcements have further demonstrated our ambition for the sport. The launch of the IBA President’s Cup in Istanbul, continued preparations for the 2026 IBA Elective Congress, Global Boxing Forum, and the introduction of enhanced competitive pathways through the new IBA Elite project, all represent significant milestones in boxing’s future development.

At the same time, IBA continues to invest beyond competition alone. The opening of the first IBA Fit facility in Tashkent this weekend, signals our commitment to community engagement, health, participation and the long-term accessibility of boxing. These initiatives demonstrate that our responsibility extends beyond the ring and into the communities we serve. 

What sets IBA apart is not simply the scale of its events, the reach of its programmes, or the evolution of its structures, it is the unwavering commitment in creating genuine opportunities throughout the entire sporting ecosystem.

As stated recently by the IBA President, Mr. Umar Kremlev, we are here to look after our boxers right the way through their journey. That journey does not begin or end with a single competition, It encompasses education, development, performance pathways, professional opportunities, financial support and the creation of an environment where athletes can genuinely thrive. 

In an ever-changing sporting landscape, IBA continues to adapt and overcome. We have faced challenges; we have confronted uncertainty; we have embraced change. Yet through every obstacle, we have remained focused on delivering for our members and athletes.

Today, what the world sees is not simply the evolution of a sport, it is the evolution of an ecosystem. An ecosystem that supports participation at every level; an ecosystem that creates sustainable opportunities; an ecosystem that rewards excellence; and an ecosystem that continues to set new standards for what international sport can achieve.

The future of boxing belongs to those willing to innovate, to invest, and to believe in the next generation. The International Boxing Association is doing exactly that; and our journey is only just beginning.