The Thought Process Behind IBA ELITE

By Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General & CEO, International Boxing Association (IBA)

Over the past decade, the global boxing community has faced significant challenges. The consequences of previous governance issues created uncertainty for athletes, National Federations and stakeholders across the world. Since 2020, IBA has worked tirelessly to restore confidence, rebuild trust and create meaningful opportunities for those at the heart of our sport.

That journey has required determination, commitment and a willingness to embrace change. While history will always form part of boxing’s story, our focus today is firmly on the future. The responsibility of every generation is to leave the sport stronger than it found it, and that is precisely the mission driving IBA’s vision today.

As we move into a new era, it is important to recognise that the sporting landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Athletes are seeking greater visibility, greater opportunities and greater rewards for the sacrifices they make. At the same time, younger audiences are demanding fresh experiences, innovative formats and new ways to engage with sport.

The reality is that elite amateur boxing has changed. Athletes who compete at Olympic Games, World Championships and the highest international levels are among the very best competitors in global sport. Their commitment, talent and achievements deserve recognition equal to their status. The introduction of prize money and enhanced athlete support has already transformed perceptions of amateur boxing and has highlighted the need for a more integrated approach to athlete development.

With this in mind, over the past 6-months IBA has undertaken a comprehensive review of its competitions, programmes and long-term strategic objectives. Alongside the continued growth of IBA PRO and several other major initiatives, one conclusion became increasingly clear: the future of boxing requires a stronger connection between the amateur and professional worlds.

The result of that vision is IBA ELITE.

IBA ELITE represents a bold new chapter for IBA-style boxing. It is designed to create a fresh, dynamic and exciting competitive environment that delivers greater value for athletes, National Federations and supporters around the world. It is a platform that combines sporting excellence, career progression and commercial opportunity within one unified ecosystem.

For many years, boxing has evolved through innovation. Projects such as the World Series of Boxing (WSB) brought new dimensions to the sport and demonstrated the appetite for fresh formats and opportunities. Building upon those lessons, IBA ELITE has been created to meet the expectations of today’s athletes while positioning boxing for the future.

At its core, IBA ELITE is about creating opportunity.

Athletes competing within the IBA ELITE structure will have the chance to compete on major international stages while earning ranking points that align closely with the wider IBA ecosystem, including IBA PRO. The system will also create new financial incentives through prize money and performance-based rewards, recognising the dedication and excellence required to compete at the very highest level.

More importantly, IBA ELITE will serve as a bridge.

For too long, the pathway between elite amateur competition and professional boxing has been fragmented. Athletes have often found themselves navigating critical career decisions alone, without the support structures necessary to maximise their potential. IBA believes that athlete development should extend far beyond the ring.

To address this challenge, IBA will introduce an innovative IBA Management System, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support athletes throughout every stage of their careers.

The IBA Management System will provide athletes with professional guidance, mentorship, education, career planning and access to expert advice. It will help athletes understand the opportunities available to them, make informed decisions about their futures and prepare for the transition from elite amateur boxing into the professional ranks.

This is not simply about athlete representation. It is about creating a sustainable framework for athlete success.

The vision is to establish a system that supports athletes as individuals, not just competitors. Whether an athlete is pursuing World or Olympic ambition, competing within IBA ELITE, exploring opportunities through IBA PRO or preparing for a professional career, they will benefit from a connected support structure designed to help them achieve their goals.

Together, IBA ELITE, IBA PRO and the IBA Management System will form a single, integrated ecosystem for boxing.

One ecosystem. One pathway. One support network.

By connecting competition, rankings, professional opportunities, financial rewards and career development, IBA is creating a structure that provides greater opportunities for growth than ever before. Athletes will be able to progress naturally through the system, gaining experience, recognition and support every step of the way.

The transition from amateur to professional boxing will no longer feel like crossing a divide. Instead, it will become part of a seamless journey supported by the International Boxing Association, creating opportunities under one roof and within one strategic vision.

The first chapter of this exciting new project will begin during the President’s Cup, which will take place alongside the IBA Congress in Istanbul later this year. This event will serve as the inaugural edition of IBA ELITE and provide a glimpse into the future of international boxing competition.

Looking ahead, additional IBA ELITE events will be introduced throughout 2027 alongside the expanding IBA PRO calendar, creating an interconnected sporting platform unlike any other in boxing today.

This is more than the launch of a new competition.

It is the creation of a complete athlete-centred ecosystem designed to identify talent, nurture development, provide opportunity and reward excellence. It reflects IBA’s unwavering commitment to innovation, athlete welfare and the long-term growth of our sport.

The future of boxing belongs to those who are prepared to evolve, innovate and create opportunities for the next generation. Through IBA ELITE, IBA PRO and the IBA Management System, we are building a future where athletes are better supported, better rewarded and better prepared than ever before.

One ecosystem. One IBA Management System. Greater opportunities for development. One future for boxing.

Further updates to follow in due course.