IBA President Umar Kremlev Joins Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury to usher in Golden Era of International Boxing Association
'I'm thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,' said Kremlev. 'Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows IBA is their home. Wherever a boxer is, IBA will support them. It's our duty to create opportunities for children to build better futures for themselves and their families.'
Kremlev stressed boxing's roots: 'We're creating an ecosystem covering amateur, professional, and bare-knuckle boxing. Why bare-knuckle? That's where it began. It's boxing's history. We want to regulate it and open chances for these fighters.'
The press conference took place before the WBA/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and James 'Jazza' Dickens, live on DAZN. IBA.Pro, the association's pro arm, matches top fighters in competitive bouts worldwide.
'The IBA has become an incredible home to express our vision,' said Al Siesta, Director of IBA.Pro. 'It's like Real Madrid — you come through amateurs, earn your stripes, and when you want to go pro, we'll look after you. We're open to other governing bodies. This is collaboration, not competition. Rankings will be based on ability. If you can fight, IBA.Pro is for you.'
Long known as an amateur boxing powerhouse, IBA now backs fighters with prize money and strong support to develop talent.
'President Umar Kremlev has done a sterling job,' said IBA Secretary General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE. 'IBA is a hybrid platform managing kids from amateurs through to pros. The goal is to give them a path so they see heroes on TV and believe they can become champions.
'Our operational scale is huge. We're here to deliver. We have the IBA Men's World Boxing Championships this year in the UAE. The IBA Golden Era is something we've built over years. Umar has invested millions into federations that had nothing, all to support kids and future champions.'
Four-weight world champion Terence Crawford flew in before his fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez to show support. 'It's great what IBA is doing for boxing. So many talented kids can't afford to compete. IBA gives them a chance.' Crawford said, 'I feel great, I've been working hard. I'm ready to become a three-weight undisputed champion this September.'
Tyson Fury praised IBA's grassroots work. 'Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me here. Investment into amateurs is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn't get paid. Now, with Umar's support, these youngsters have a real chance.'
Fury, who rose through AIBA (now IBA), teased a possible return. Asked about fighting Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title, he said: 'Of course. 100%. Show me the money, Umar! I haven't got an IBA.Pro belt, but I'm young, free, single and ready to mingle!'
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Web Release
5 days ago
- Web Release
IBA President Umar Kremlev Joins Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury to usher in Golden Era of International Boxing Association
Some of boxing's biggest names gathered in Istanbul as International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev unveiled plans for the sport's 'Golden Era.' Joined by pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford and heavyweight icon Tyson Fury, Kremlev outlined IBA's vision to build an ecosystem supporting fighters at every level- amateur, professional, and bare-knuckle. 'I'm thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,' said Kremlev. 'Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows IBA is their home. Wherever a boxer is, IBA will support them. It's our duty to create opportunities for children to build better futures for themselves and their families.' Kremlev stressed boxing's roots: 'We're creating an ecosystem covering amateur, professional, and bare-knuckle boxing. Why bare-knuckle? That's where it began. It's boxing's history. We want to regulate it and open chances for these fighters.' The press conference took place before the WBA/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and James 'Jazza' Dickens, live on DAZN. the association's pro arm, matches top fighters in competitive bouts worldwide. 'The IBA has become an incredible home to express our vision,' said Al Siesta, Director of 'It's like Real Madrid — you come through amateurs, earn your stripes, and when you want to go pro, we'll look after you. We're open to other governing bodies. This is collaboration, not competition. Rankings will be based on ability. If you can fight, is for you.' Long known as an amateur boxing powerhouse, IBA now backs fighters with prize money and strong support to develop talent. 'President Umar Kremlev has done a sterling job,' said IBA Secretary General & CEO Chris Roberts OBE. 'IBA is a hybrid platform managing kids from amateurs through to pros. The goal is to give them a path so they see heroes on TV and believe they can become champions. 'Our operational scale is huge. We're here to deliver. We have the IBA Men's World Boxing Championships this year in the UAE. The IBA Golden Era is something we've built over years. Umar has invested millions into federations that had nothing, all to support kids and future champions.' Four-weight world champion Terence Crawford flew in before his fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez to show support. 'It's great what IBA is doing for boxing. So many talented kids can't afford to compete. IBA gives them a chance.' Crawford said, 'I feel great, I've been working hard. I'm ready to become a three-weight undisputed champion this September.' Tyson Fury praised IBA's grassroots work. 'Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me here. Investment into amateurs is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn't get paid. Now, with Umar's support, these youngsters have a real chance.' Fury, who rose through AIBA (now IBA), teased a possible return. Asked about fighting Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title, he said: 'Of course. 100%. Show me the money, Umar! I haven't got an belt, but I'm young, free, single and ready to mingle!'
The National
04-05-2025
- The National
Canelo Alvarez eases past William Scull in Riyadh to set up Terence Crawford fight
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez beat William Scull by unanimous points decision in a drab fight on Sunday morning in Riyadh to become undisputed super middleweight champion again. Alvarez, who was making his Saudi Arabian debut, is a four-weight world champion and entered the fight with the WBA, WBC and WBO titles at 168 pounds. He was stripped of the IBF belt last July when he declined to make a mandatory defense against Scull. He had owned that title since November 2021 when he defeated Caleb Plant. Alvarez became an undisputed champion in the division for the second time when the judges scored it 115-113, 116-112, 119-109 in his favour. The 34-year-old Mexican improved to 63-2-2, with 39 knockouts, and is unbeaten in 10 fights in the super middleweight division. The fight against IBF champion Scull didn't live up to expectation, leading to booing inside the arena. The Cuba-born Scull entered the ring unbeaten in 23 professional fights, but constantly moved around, dodging, shuffling and frustrating Alvarez, who was unable to press the action. Moments after the decision was declared, the promotion for a proposed September 12 fight between Alvarez and Terence Crawford began, with both men facing each other in the ring. Alvarez was fighting outside the US or Mexico for the first time and had to make plenty of adjustments, including to the time zone. The fighters walked into the ring and the anthems started around 6.20am local time for the main bout in Riyadh, timed so it was in prime time on the US West Coast. The opening rounds were slow with both boxers feeling for range and the intensity gradually lifted with Scull throwing more punches but not landing much. Alvarez, by contrast, stayed patient and was landing body shots. By the end, Alvarez threw almost half as many punches as Scull (152-293) but landed one more (56-55), predominantly power shots to the body. 'That's why I don't like to fight those kinds of guys, they come just to survive [and] just to do the 12 rounds,' Alvarez said of Scull, adding that neither the timing of the bout nor the quality of the contest was a problem because he had plenty of time to prepare. 'With this kind of fight, anything can be said [by the judges]. For me, it's a boring fight. A fighter is not trying to win, they just try to survive. I hate those kinds of fighters. "That's why I don't like them. I hope September [against Crawford brings] another kind of fight. 'But it's OK, we won. We're here with the title as the champion. I'm a champion. I'm a professional, so that's all, no excuse or anything." As for the September showdown against Crawford, who will be stepping up two weight divisions, Alvarez added: 'I feel great. Crawford is one of the best out there and, you know, I like to share the ring with that kind of fighter. It's my pleasure.' Crawford was in the crowd watching in the Saudi capital. 'I'm feeling great. I'm feeling blessed. Things happen for a reason, and there's a reason why I'm here," he said. 'In September I'm showing the world what greatness looks like.'
The National
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- The National
Imane Khelif tells Donald Trump she's not ‘intimidated' and will defend Olympic title in LA 2028 Games
Imane Khelif fired a broadside at Donald Trump, telling the US President she is not intimidated by him and that she intends to defend her Olympic title in Los Angeles in 2028. The Algerian boxer, 25, won gold in Paris last year in the women's welterweight division amid a gender eligibility storm that shows no signs of abating. In February, Trump falsely called Khelif had transitioned from a man and signed an executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in women's sports in the United States. Speaking to ITV News in an interview to be broadcast on Wednesday evening, Khelif said: 'I will give you a straightforward answer: the US President issued a decision related to transgender policies in America. I am not transgender. This does not concern me, and it does not intimidate me. That is my response.' That came after Khelif interrupted a question about her dream of repeating her triumph, saying: 'Second gold medal, of course. In America, Los Angeles.' Khelif's triumph in Paris, along with that of Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting, sparked a gender eligibility debate to which high-profile figures such as President Trump, Elon Musk and JK Rowling contributed. In November, the International Olympic Committee said Khelif was taking legal action over media reports allegedly detailing her leaked medical records. A report published in French magazine Le Correspondant claimed to have seen a medical report about the Algerian. The IOC said the report was based on 'unverified documents whose origin cannot be confirmed'. Khelif revealed she was 'deeply affected mentally' by the 'major media campaign' surrounding her, and said her mother was attending hospital almost daily as her family shared the brunt of the attacks. The furore followed an International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to dismiss the blood tests which had prompted the now discredited International Boxing Association (IBA) to disqualify Khelif from the World Championships in 2023. She said: 'As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear. The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics — the injustice was exposed and later, the truth was acknowledged by the Olympic Committee in Paris.' In February, Khelif condemned the IBA after the organisation made fresh claims about her gender and said it was to take legal action against the IOC over the inclusion of Khelif and Lin at last year's Games. She added: 'For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one. 'I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships. All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.' The future of boxing faced uncertainty following the Paris Games as the IOC deliberated over which body should oversee the sport at the Olympics. The boxing tournaments at the last two Games were organised by the IOC, which suspended the IBA in 2019 over governance issues and then withdrew recognition for it completely in 2023. However, the IOC's executive board recommended that boxing remains part of the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, following an earlier decision on February 27 to recognise World Boxing as the sport's international federation. The executive board's decision is expected to be ratified at the IOC Session in Greece on Wednesday.
