Members of Muhammad Ali’s family were among the guest speakers at the Global Boxing Forum in Dubai, where they expressed their support for IBA’s backing of boxers.

His daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh and grandson Nico Ali-Walsh were present to reminisce about the sport’s most influential boxer and praise the work that financially assists boxers towards stardom.

‘The IBA promotes worldwide boxing, fosters unity across cultures, values that my dad exemplified,’ said Rasheda.

‘It is beautiful to see what the IBA is doing in that respect. My father didn’t change the sport, he revolutionized it. But what truly set him apart was his heart, his courage, to stand up for his beliefs no matter the cost. My father’s legacy didn’t end in the ring, he inspired others to believe in their abilities and stand firm in their convictions and use their platforms for change. His greatest victory was not a title, it was the lives that he inspired and the peace he championed beyond the sport. He transcended the sport.’

Rasheda and Nico, who followed his grandfather into professional boxing, touched on his personality, his drive and his long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, which he suffered from for over 30 years until his death in 2016.

From a great of yesteryear to now, the still undefeated Terence Crawford was a special guest at the Forum, adding his approval for supporting athletes financially.

It came after IBA President Umar Kremlev announced prize money would increase to $10 million for the upcoming IBA World Boxing Championships.

‘You see a lot of talented fighters come up and win all the amateur tournaments in the world but stopped because they can’t provide for their families, so I think it’s really beautiful that the IBA is providing for these fighters and that will motivate them even more,’ said the undisputed champion who has 41 wins and no losses to his name.

‘It’s very rewarding at the top, but not everybody can make it to the top because they can’t stay grounded and focused and have the support system like others.’

President Kremlev continued his pledge to support all members to keep boxing accessible to all.

Kremlev said: ‘To National Federations for international competitions if you don’t have financial capabilities, you can approach me, and we can help. We, the IBA, we are ready to provide support to every boxer in any difficult situation. The athletes must be in focus, this is the most important part of the tournaments.’

There was also a promise for more Global Boxing Forums in other continents and an increase in IBA Champions’ Nights in untouched markets.

IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE spoke about the return of the World Series of Boxing, rebranded to the World Boxing League, and encouraged National Federations to send teams, a calendar of four IBA World Boxing Championships in 2025 and the success of 2024 when the IBA Youth World Boxing Championships was held in Budva, Montenegro and there were 22 referees and judges and 16 coaches courses held throughout the year.

Moses Muhangi, President of Uganda Boxing Federation spoke about the Uganda Boxing Champions League initiative and its bridge between amateur and professional and how they effectively commercialized. This included weekly televised boxing shows, an analysis shows and a huge increase in ratings and social media engagement.

IBA Board of Directors member and IBA World Championships bronze medallist Kristy Harris was also on hand to speak about the financial support there for athletes and how it specifically addresses gender equality as she spoke about the challenges, she has faced in her career due to being a female athlete.

Actor Said Taghmaoui said he would continue to “promote and support” the sport through cinema on behalf of the real “stars, that are the fighters”.

International boxing promoter, matchmaker and manager Al Siesta was full of praise for IBA in a brief speech.‘

Over the years in my career I have worked with many great organzations but let me tell you from the bottom of my heart, this is a very, very special one,’ said Siesta. ‘This organization thrives for something very special – the passion, the vision, the great determination to improve the sport of boxing is impeccable.’

Founder and President of BoxRec, Dr. Marina Sheppard also delivered the speech about further integration with IBA events and requesting feedback to continue improving the incredibly valuable database they provide in boxing statistics.

The Global Boxing Forum concluded with IBA President Umar Kremlev presenting financial grants to medal winners from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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Media contacts:

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