As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements we had as an organization in 2024. This year has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with milestones that showcase our collective passion, determination, and unity. We have continued to progress and develop, investing in the current and next generations of boxers and providing opportunities for our athletes to succeed.

The IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Championships 2024 in Budva, Montenegro exemplified a forward-thinking vision for the sport of boxing, with unprecedented opportunities provided, as the IBA covered accommodation costs for all athletes and coaches. With a substantial prize money fund for the younger generation of athletes, the IBA has not only encouraged a higher level of engagement, but also recognized the dedication and hard work that our boxers invest in the sport.

The IBA’s commitments to the teams and National Federations underscore our dedication to ensuring that logistical barriers do not hinder participation. This strategic approach is essential for allowing boxers to focus on their training and performance rather than on the challenges posed by financial constraints. We are here to serve our athletes and create conditions for them, and our actions always support our words.

In alignment with the prestigious IBA World Boxing Championships, the IBA has also extended its assistance to organize seven Continental Championships this year, each aimed at promoting the sport at various age levels and facilitating a stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete with the best within their continents and provide for their families.

I am equally pleased to highlight the achievements of our new flagship professional events, IBA Champions’ Night, a series that have successfully established a significant presence across four continents. This year, we have proudly hosted 20 events, each contributing to the overarching mission of IBA to elevate the sport of boxing.

Not only do these events offer a chance for athletes to compete at a professional level, but they also create pathways for sustainable income. The financial opportunities afforded by our Champions’ Nights have positively impacted the lives of many athletes, empowering them to pursue their passion for boxing while ensuring economic stability for them and their families.

Another exciting development in 2024 is the introduction of the IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup in China, a groundbreaking tournament that merges the worlds of professional boxing and kickboxing. By uniting these two prestigious combat sports, IBA has not only amplified the global appeal of its events, but also strengthened appreciation for the diversity within martial arts.

To further enhance the support for its activities across the globe, IBA has allocated $1,110,000 to the Financial Support Program, enabling National Federations to better address the unique challenges. This investment reiterates the IBA’s recognition of National Federations and Continental Confederations as key stakeholders vital for the growth and development of boxing globally.

Apart from this, IBA has organized a total of 45 educational courses for its technical officials, which include coaches, referees and judges and ITOs, who play a crucial role in the successful execution of each boxing event. The comprehensive training programs provided by the IBA are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of these technical officials, contributing to the overall integrity and professionalism of the sport.

A brand-new IBA and ISDE Sports Management course in cooperation with the leading university became another milestone with continuous professional development for our Boxing Family members aspiring to take part in the competition’s organization at local and international levels.

In the year 2024, IBA has also witnessed significant growth in the realms of marketing opportunities, media coverage, social media outreach and broadcasting, thus innovating its approach to brand promotion and delivering timely and relevant content to its audience.

As we move forward to 2025, I am excited to announce that our flagship events – the IBA Women’s and Men’s World Championships – will take center stage in 2025, along with the IBA Junior World Boxing Championships and newly established Schoolboys & Schoolgirls World Championships. With a prize money fund of up to $10 million for Elite World Championships and up to $1 million for the continental events, these tournaments will be the premier competitions for boxers of all ages from around the globe.

We will continue to expand our IBA Champions’ Night events to each continent, providing even more opportunities for boxers to compete professionally and earn a living. IBA is also set to celebrate another successful year for our boxing family with the crowning of new Continental champions and the new editions of the IBA Kunlun Fight World Cup.

Moreover, the rebranded World Series of Boxing (WSB) will be a major highlight in 2025. The WSB has undergone a transformation, adopting a new name and identity, but at its core, the series stays true to its original concept: a unique blend of amateur and professional boxing in a team-based format. By rebranding and refreshing the WSB, the IBA aims to bring the sport to new heights, ensuring that boxing remains dynamic and engaging for fans and participants alike.

Of course, IBA keeps providing ongoing support to its National Federations through its Financial Support Program, which is designed to assist them in various aspects of their operations and development, as well as implement projects and give boxers a chance to participate in the competitions.

As the only boxing governing body with the expertise to manage events and its stakeholders, IBA is uniquely positioned to provide the successful and a fair future of our athletes. Being a true Home of Boxing, we will carry on working tirelessly to promote our beloved sport as a symbol of peace and unity, free from the influence of politics. We will keep fighting for our boxers so they can proudly represent their countries with the respective flags and anthems, no matter what.

As President of the International Boxing Association, I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication throughout this year. From our athletes to our coaches and officials, from our National Federations and Confederations to our staff members, every single one of you plays an essential role in the success of our organization. I am proud to be given a trust to lead this organization, and I am excited for what the future holds.

In closing, I would like to remind you one of the wise words of Muhammad Ali: “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision”. Let us continue to chase our dreams and to work towards inspiring and uplifting people from all corners of the globe.

Wishing you a great festive season and looking forward to our new milestones in 2025!

With best wishes,

Umar Kremlev

President of International Boxing Association (IBA)

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