In a major announcement, Dubai has been chosen as the location for the International Boxing Association (IBA) Ordinary Congress, set to be complemented by the influential Global Boxing Forum and the star-studded IBA Champions’ Night on 9 December 2023.

The Ordinary Congress, a cornerstone event for the IBA, will convene delegates from National Federations worldwide to deliberate and decide on the strategic direction of boxing. As of today, 171 National Federations will take part in the Congress. A highlight of the Congress agenda being the election of a female representative to the IBA Board of Directors from the Americas, reflecting the IBA’s commitment to gender equality and representation. Details on the Ordinary Congress are available here.

Following the Congress, the 4^th Global Boxing Forum will serve as an incubator for progressive ideas, where the sharpest minds in boxing — boxers, coaches, and administrators alike — will unite to discuss, debate, and design the future of boxing.

This year’s Forum theme is Protecting the Physical, Mental, and Financial Health of our Athletes and is poised to be a catalyst for change. In addition, the Forum will provide a springboard for innovative practices and transformative collaborations within the sport and will shed a light into digital technologies coming into the sport. The Forum’s objective is clear, it aims to unite, educate, and generate ideas for the boxing community; the discussions are not just words but an action plan that is to be implemented. 

The crescendo of this program is the IBA Champions’ Night with the crème de la crème of champions and contenders facing each other. The magnificent event features Albert Batyrgaziev, the Olympic champion from Russia, facing off the three-time World champion, Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez Estrada in 60kg division. Both boxers have professional experience and great career at IBA’s events, and it is high time they brought all their skills to challenge each other. 

The fight card also boasts an 86kg clash with World champion Loren Alfonso Domingues of Azerbaijan facing the formidable World Championships runner-up Aliaksei Alfiorau from Belarus. In a bout that promises fireworks, Saidjamshid Jafarov, the World Championships silver medallist, will fight against Japan’s World champion Sewonrets Okazawa in 71kg.

The anticipation for the full fight card is palpable, with the promise of IBA and professional bouts that are sure to captivate boxing enthusiasts worldwide.

IBA President Umar Kremlev was enthusiastic about the forthcoming events. ‘Choosing Dubai as the location for these important boxing events shows our constant dedication to doing our best and our deep love for boxing. We can’t wait to welcome the global boxing community come to Dubai to see some of the best boxers in action. The IBA Champions’ Night is going to be a showcase of outstanding talent, bringing together some of the top athletes for an evening that will surely be memorable.’