A press conference has been held, signaling the final countdown to the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš, Serbia – to be held from 8 to 16 March 2025.

IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE attended the event at Niš City Hall along with Serbian Boxing Federation President, Nenad Borovčanin; State Secretary of the Ministry of Sport of Serbia, Ognjen Cvjetićanin; Mayor of Niš, Dragoslav Pavlovic; and 2022 IBA World Champion from Ireland Amy Broadhurst.

In his opening remarks, Chris Roberts OBE thanked the organizers and reaffirmed how important the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships is to the development of female boxing around the world.

‘IBA, we are the Home of boxing, and we will be bringing our female boxers to Niš to perform at the highest level,’ said Roberts. ‘The World Championships is the number one global competition in the world. We’ve been working hard along with Serbian Boxing Federation to make this event truly memorable, and I am confident that we will roll out a fantastic Championships with opportunity for prize money and it’s important to create those conditions for our women to compete.’

‘Opportunities that IBA creates are unprecedented, and I am looking forward to see other ascending stars of the women’s boxing crowned in Serbia,’ he added.

‘This is a historical moment for us that Serbia, and Niš will be at the centre of female boxing,’ added Nenad Borovčanin. ‘We are here today to start a great historical spectacle. I believe that people of Niš and whole our country will be proud of this event.’

State Secretary of the Ministry of Sport of Serbia Ognjen Cvjetićanin said, ‘Serbia continues with the organization of major sports events, and now Serbian Boxing Federation was entrusted to organize another IBA World Boxing Championships, this time for women. We are ready to welcome the best boxers from around the globe.’

Mayor of Niš Dragoslav Pavlović mentioned that people of his city are known to be very hospitable.

‘IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships will leave a strong impression on our city. Niš will be a city of sports, city of boxing and its upcoming great champions, a city that promotes true values. A true spectacle awaits us in March,’ the mayor claimed.

Amy Broadhurst, who won a gold medal at 2022 World Championships edition and is expecting her baby now, shared her story.

‘The IBA World Championships not only hold a special place in my heart but it’s an amazing opportunity for every talented athlete around the world to come together and compete against each other. IBA has created an amazing opportunity with these championships by awarding prize money. In many ways IBA have changed the lives of many athletes including mine. Because of IBA, I was able to purchase my first home which now is security for myself, my partner and our son who will make an arrival in May. If it wasn’t for the opportunities that IBA provide for us athletes, many of us would still live lives that are difficult to navigate through while still training full time,’ Broadhurst claimed.

The boxer competed at four World Championships at different age groups and all the time couldn’t get through the quarterfinals.

She went on to say, ‘Inside me I always dreamed of becoming World Champion. After every setback I picked myself up and kept going. 2022 changed everything, I went to the USA to spar with Katie Taylor. It gave me confidence and I knew from the very first bout that I could make it! When I did it, my life had changed forever. Without IBA I would not have a roof over my head, and I wouldn’t be here today.’

Gold medallists will receive $100,000 USD, with silver medallists winning $50,000, each of bronze claiming $25,000 and, for the first time in the tournament’s history, all quarter-finalists will receive $10,000.

Headguards will be mandatory for all competitors, as the IBA adjusted the restriction to make sure all nations can compete. A special Headguards Forum is scheduled to take part during the championships to clarify the rationale behind the headguards removal for women and receive feedback from the coaches around the world.

Registration for the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships closes on 20 February. Almost 40 nations have registered so far with an expected attendance above 500 boxers.

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Media contacts:

Elena Sobol, Head of Communications and PR, International Boxing Association: elena.sobol@iba.sport