In a bold move to reshape the landscape of boxing, a new platform aimed at helping amateur fighters transition to the professional ranks was unveiled on Wednesday in Istanbul. The announcement came as part of a broader series of reforms introduced by the International Boxing Association (IBA). Boxing icons Rashida Ali, Tyson Fury, and Terence Crawford were among the high-profile figures supporting the initiative.
“Our main goal is to ensure that every boxer knows the IBA is their home,” declared IBA President Umar Kremlev during a dazzling launch event that doubled as a press conference, drawing over 300 attendees. The mood was one of anticipation, as the IBA had previously teased Istanbul as the stage for revealing its vision for the sport’s future. Despite boxing’s growing cultural relevance, the federation has been seeking direction after the International Olympic Committee revoked its official recognition—making the announcement all the more significant.
Prominent figures from the boxing world were present to show their support the much-publicised ‘Golden Era’ and one of the day’s highlights was the presence of Rashida Ali, daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali — widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history — alongside former heavyweight world champion Fury, current super welterweight champion Crawford, and iconic model Naomi Campbell, who presented the new fashion line that will carry the IBA brand to fans and athletes worldwide.
Gradually, the organisation’s plans were revealed amid celebrities, current and former champions and coaches. Ali handed the floor to Kremlev, saying, “The truth remains: without the IBA, boxing wouldn’t be where it is today. Umar Kremlev represents the start of a golden era”.
The president emphasised the IBA’s desire for parents to feel confident that their children will be well cared for and that boxing can offer them social mobility. With this clear vision, future plans include creating a pathway to make the transition from amateur to professional boxing easier as the association’s stated goal is to help young talent shape their careers and earn a living.
Other initiatives were also introduced, such as a new video game to connect the boxing community and enable participants to monetise their skill, as well as a new events calendar and ruleset in order to govern the newly adopted bare-knuckle boxing league, which will see new champions emerge.
“In amateur sport, the ecosystem must provide a platform for success. The scale of the IBA’s operations is vast. We have projects all over the world. We continue to support national federations, even in countries without the necessary facilities,” said Chris Roberts OBE, secretary general of the IBA, while expressing satisfaction with the new plans and future being shaped. “This is what we dream of for the children of tomorrow.”
Alongside Roberts, Kremlev, Fury, Ali and Crawford, the main panel also featured former boxer Zinnat Ferdous and Al Siesta, the promoter and IBA Pro CEO. “I came to know the IBA thanks to the incredible prizes and opportunities they offer. Thanks to the IBA, I was able to take the next step in my career,” said Ferdous.
The boxer, who is based in New York and now represents Bangladesh, discussed gender issues in elite boxing. “It’s a complex topic. As an active participant, I can see that governing bodies are beginning to create opportunities, but there’s still a long way to go. I can only hope for fairness in sport”, she said.
As for Kremlev, he tackled the issue head on by insisting that “we have both male and female boxers. Our criteria are very strict.” The president underlined that “those who violate the rules must adapt to modern regulations” and that “we require them to apologise publicly to the female boxers, as they must take responsibility.” Kremlev, who has had a long-standing feud with the IOC also said that the IBA has asked the Olympic body to update the system.
In turn, Siesta used a powerful analogy to explain upcoming entrepreneurial plans: “IBA.pro is like Real Madrid — it takes you from the academy to the professional level. We’re open to competition. If you know how to fight, this is your home. We are a great international boxing home. For us, this is an obvious decision: IBA.pro is the cherry on top.”
In response to Fury’s ‘Show me the money!’ quote, Siesta replied, “It would be fantastic if Fury ended his career in IBA Pro. If the money was right, would you fight…?” Fury’s answer came swiftly: ‘Yes.’
During the conference, Ali recalled the strength and respect for others that her father always showed, pointing to Kremlev and the organisation. “The IBA is at a crossroads of incredible influence, but my father didn’t just walk that path — he mastered it. There are so many people in the world without opportunities, and Umar has given them one. My father had deep faith. He stood up to the system for a just cause. Boxing became his platform to change the world,” she explained.
The final part of the presentation featured announcements on digital transformation, where fan interaction will be paramount, as well as the association’s training initiatives and a spectacular fashion show debuting the IBA-branded clothing line. Emin Chagaev, one of the creators of the IBA Training Centre in Baku, spoke about the project’s significance and its ongoing growth, “People are already seeing transformations — some have lost up to 30 kilos. This new training centre in Baku is completely free.”
Footage of the IBA Games, which feature a bold and dynamic format designed to engage new generations in the sport, was displayed and a fashion show featuring both sportswear and casual wear for men and women added another dimension to the event, enhanced by a light and sound spectacle with Campbell serving as master of ceremonies.
Before the media Q&A, the new bare-knuckle boxing league was unveiled, along with a set of rules including protocols to protect athletes, regulations on fight durations, and other measures designed to ensure the discipline’s growth. “Bare-knuckle boxing is the origin of boxing and it open the door for retired boxers to get back in the sport,” current champion Paul Smith pointed out. “If it is well regulated and has the right number of rounds, I don’t see a problem. The two-minute round is important: It ensures that the safety of the boxer is prioritised.”
There will be no changes to the existing events calendar, which includes both amateur and professional world championships, until 2028. Substantial investments were also announced in children’s boxing, with a particular focus on initiatives in Africa and Latin America.
Before concluding, Kremlev delivered a message of ‘unity’ and described sport as a ‘vehicle’ for ending conflict and fostering peace in many regions while hinting at the possibility of staging bouts between boxers from countries currently in conflict to promote peace. To illustrate this vision, two athletes appeared on stage, each wrapped in a flag — one American, the other Iranian.
