IBA President Umar Kremlev Joins Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury to usher in Golden Era of International Boxing Association
Istanbul, Türkiye: 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. 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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5 days ago
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IBA President Umar Kremlev Joins Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury to usher in Golden Era of International Boxing Association
Fury Confirms Interest in Anthony Joshua bout for title: 'Show me the money!' Istanbul, Türkiye: 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!'
Al-Ahram Weekly
28-01-2025
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World Boxing rallies behind Egypt - Sports - Al-Ahram Weekly
Amid ongoing discussions about boxing's inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Al-Ahram Weekly met Boris Van Der Vorst, president of World Boxing, during his visit to Egypt Boris Van Der Vorst, president of World Boxing, was in Egypt recently on what he said was a clear mission: to support Egyptian boxing in gaining recognition and ensuring its participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The visit was prompted by the challenges boxing faces after the International Boxing Federation (IBF) was excluded from the 2028 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the International Boxing Association (IBA), which ran the Olympic Games' boxing programme, in 2019 because of concerns over its finances, governance, ethics, refereeing and judging. Having failed to meet required reforms set out by the IOC, the IBA was stripped of its role, a decision upheld in April 2024 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following an appeal. 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Partnering with the Egyptian Boxing Federation will enable us to develop boxing across Africa,' Van Der Vorst said. He emphasised World Boxing's commitment to organising competitions and training courses for African coaches and referees to elevate the sport on the continent. He highlighted Egypt's potential to host international boxing events, noting its advanced infrastructure. 'I was impressed with Egypt's venues, including the indoor hall used for the 2021 World Handball Championship. It's ideal for hosting international boxing competitions.' On the global front, Boris touched on World Boxing's collaboration with the IOC. 'Since May, we've built a strong relationship with the IOC, participating in Paris 2024 qualifiers to gain insights on organising similar events. We are working tirelessly to ensure our recognition by the IOC, aiming to have 75 national federations under our umbrella, and Egypt's membership brings us closer to that goal.' Van Der Vorst also highlighted the significance of youth development, underscoring Egypt's role in preparing for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, where boxing remains part of the Olympic programme. 'Egypt's expertise will be invaluable in Dakar. We also hope to see a strong Egyptian delegation in the World Championships this September,' he added. Al-Louzi echoed the same vision, emphasising Egypt's focus on preparing young boxers. 'We are holding four national competitions to select our top talents for Dakar 2026 where we aim to secure new Olympic medals,' Al-Louzi said. He also highlighted that it was the first time a World Boxing president had visited Egypt or any other country in Africa, underscoring the nation's growing influence in the sport. Van Der Vorst praised the new leadership of the Egyptian Boxing Federation. 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Van Der Vorst expressed optimism about Africa's role in World Boxing: 'Africa must have a voice in the global boxing community. Egypt's membership and leadership will be crucial in holding international events and inspiring other African nations to join the movement. Together, we can bring boxing to new heights.' Boxing has been contested at every Summer Olympic Games since its introduction to the programme at the 1904 Olympics, except for the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm because Swedish law banned the sport at the time. The 2008 Olympics were the final Games as a male-only event. Since the 2012 Olympics, women's boxing has been part of the programme. * A version of this article appears in print in the 30 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-11-2024
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Boxing: Taiwan Olympic champion quits event after gender questions - Omni sports
Taiwan's Olympic boxing gold medallist Lin Yu-ting has pulled out of an international competition in Britain after the organiser questioned her gender eligibility, Taiwanese sports officials said Wednesday. Lin, who along with Algerian boxer Imane Khelif was embroiled in a gender row at the Paris Olympics, was due to compete in the World Boxing Cup Finals in Sheffield starting Wednesday. The new competition was organised by World Boxing, which was founded in 2023 and boasts around 55 members, including Taiwan. It was to be Lin's first international competition since Paris, but she withdrew after World Boxing questioned her eligibility, Taiwan's Sports Administration said in a statement. "She is female, meets all eligibility criteria, and successfully participated in the women's boxing event (in Paris), winning a gold medal," the statement said. "Unfortunately, as World Boxing is newly established and still navigating the development of its operational mechanisms, it lacks the clear regulatory policies of the IOC that ensure the protection of athletes' rights," it said, referring to the International Olympic Committee. "Additionally, World Boxing's medical committee has yet to establish robust confidentiality procedures to safeguard the medical information submitted by Taiwan regarding Lin Yu-ting." Lin had offered to undergo a "comprehensive medical examination locally" in Britain but World Boxing did not agree, the statement said. To avoid further "harm" to Lin, her coach and Taiwanese sports officials "decided to withdraw from this event proactively". Lin had arrived in Britain a few days ago and pulled out of the event on Tuesday, Hsieh Chi-ying from the Sports Administration told AFP. Neither World Boxing nor England Boxing immediately responded to AFP's requests for comment. Lin and Khelif were thrown out of last year's world championships -- which was run by the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA)-- but they were cleared by the IOC to compete in Paris. IBA's Kremlin-linked president Umar Kremlev claimed in a chaotic press conference that the two women had undergone "genetic testing that show that these are men". The IOC leapt to the defence of both boxers, with president Thomas Bach saying they were born and raised as women, and have passports saying that. Neither is known to identify as transgender. World Boxing is in talks with the International Olympic Committee to take over running the sport at the Games after the damaging gender controversy. Lin, who went on to win the gold in her women's final, was dubbed "Taiwan's daughter" by both local media and President Lai Ching-te. Taiwan premier Cho Jung-tai said Wednesday that the government would "actively strive to protect and secure" Lin's rights to take part in future international competitions. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports. Short link:
