AMBC Forum in Cuba stressed the importance of communication within the Boxing Family
IBA President Umar Kremlev addressed delegates of the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) at the Continental Forum that took place today in Havana, Cuba on the eve of International Boxing Day.
President Kremlev underlined the special occasion of the 50th anniversary of the inaugural IBA World Boxing Championships that took place in August 1974 in Havana.
‘Cuba is a great example of how boxing can highlight the whole nation and make it known worldwide. Cuba, in fact, is a country of freedom and independence, the values we share so much at IBA. Our presence in Cuba proves once again that we support these values.
IBA President added that the AFBC National Federations should not hesitate to communicate with the IBA, should they experience any challenges.
‘International Federations exist to serve athletes, coaches, and their National Federations, and the IBA is a role model as to how this should function. We create the conditions for our boxers to compete, to provide for their families. There is no alternative to the IBA, as we are the Home of Boxing. The impostors who pretend to be “an international federation” are aiming to take away those privileges from our NFs, they do not have funds to support members. Time will show who is right, as no other organisation can offer the same what IBA offers,’ Kremlev added.
He reminded that 2024 is the Year of Americas at IBA and that the continent is in the spotlight.
’As we celebrate the IBA Year of Americas, our goal is to organize more sporting and development events on the continent. We are eagerly waiting for the bids from the National Federations to host our future events, from IBA Champions’ Nights to educational courses. I also would like to see that one of the countries of the American continent will host the IBA World Boxing Championships in the foreseeable future.’
President Kremlev also claimed that following the change of the IOC leadership in 2025, he hopes that the IBA will restore the dialogue with the International Olympic Committee, as the IBA “has no issues with the Olympic movement itself.” He also reminded that the medallists of Paris 2024 will receive prize money and an opportunity to fight for the World Champion title.
‘I would like to establish a rule that 10% from athletes’ prize money will be given to National Federations to support them. Our goal is to create the conditions for our boxers and National Federations that they are not in need,’ he concluded.
IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE stressed the importance of those development programs on the continent, as the Americas need to raise and educate more qualified referees and judges, technical officials and coaches.
‘We need to create a detailed plan for the American continent to elevate the officiating and engage more officials into boxing. Together with AMBC President Jose Laureano, we are going to work on a strategy to implement,’ Chris Roberts OBE said.
American Boxing Confederation President Jose Laureano invited the nations to work together in unity and many of the countries present, including St Lucia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guyana, El Salvador and others expressed their unwavering support to the IBA.
Cuban Boxing Federation President Alberto Puig de la Barca thanked IBA for the opportunity and assured that International Boxing Day is going to be memorable.
‘I hope we will satisfy all expectations. Cuba has opened the doors for IBA and all countries, and this IBA Champions’ Night is going to be a grand boxing event,’ he said.
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Media contacts:
Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport
