The International Boxing Association (IBA) used its Sport + Business Forum in Istanbul to send a message: sport’s future belongs to those who unite, not divide.
IBA president Umar Kremlev appeared alongside Donald Trump Jr., boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and Rasheda Ali Walsh, daughter of Muhammad Ali — a mix of boxing royalty and global business influence rarely seen on one stage.
“Sport has always been a peacekeeper, and so it should stay,” Kremlev told the room. “Boxing should give athletes everywhere a future free of politics and full of new chances.”
Trump Jr., Pacquiao, and Ali Legacy Add Star Power
Trump Jr. spoke about his lifelong connection to boxing:
“I grew up watching Saturday night fights from the front row. Even after brutal fights, opponents show deep respect — that’s the best of people. What Umar is doing — restoring fairness and giving youth a chance — is extraordinary.”
Rasheda Ali Walsh linked the message to her father’s ideals:
“My father used boxing as a platform for peace and dignity. Greatness isn’t just titles; it’s the impact we leave on humanity.”
Pacquiao reflected on how politics blocked his own amateur dreams:
“For two years I tried to join the Philippine Olympic team but was stopped by politics. I turned pro at 16 and two years later became a world champion. That’s why grassroots boxing is vital, and IBA is doing that.”
Pacquiao also introduced his new League of Destiny, aimed at giving fighters from every nation a genuine pathway to success.
Kremlev named Kaan Karakaya as IBA’s official representative in Türkiye, calling him “a bridge between worlds.” Karakaya promised to grow Turkish boxing and help push IBA’s global vision.
The forum felt less like a ceremony and more like a strategic power play — uniting ex-champions, business figures, and legacy families around a fairer, less political boxing landscape.
Dubai to Stage Richest Amateur Tournament in History
The next step comes in December when Dubai hosts the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships — positioned as the centrepiece of a two-week Festival of Boxing at the National Tennis Stadium (December 2–13).
The money on the table has never been this big — $8 million total.
Each weight-division winner pockets $300,000 (half for the fighter, a quarter for their coaches, a quarter for the national federation). Runners-up get $150,000, bronze $75,000, even fifth place walks away with $10,000. For amateurs who’ve spent years fighting for medals and scraps, that’s a game-changer.
Kremlev framed the money as overdue respect:
“This isn’t just prize money — it’s recognition for the athletes, coaches, and federations who keep boxing alive.”
Dubai’s ambitions go beyond one event. The championships will be paired with the IBA Global Boxing Forum, a professional fight card, and the IBA Congress, drawing every member federation and sponsor to the city as it pitches itself as a new global combat-sports hub.
Money vs. Credibility: The IBA’s Ongoing Challenge
But there’s a shadow hanging over all this. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cut IBA loose — first suspending it, then stripping recognition altogether — citing dodgy governance, shaky judging, and murky finances. Now a chunk of national federations are throwing their lot in with World Boxing, a breakaway body fighting for IOC recognition to keep the sport alive in the Games.
Injecting large prize funds could secure short-term loyalty from athletes and federations, but critics say it doesn’t address the governance problems that caused the IOC split.
Fighters will welcome $300,000 paydays; Olympic officials may see it as an attempt to sidestep reform rather than solve it.
The key question remains:
Can IBA use money and spectacle to hold onto amateur boxing’s top talent — or will the lure of Olympic recognition and long-term credibility pull athletes elsewhere?
Bottom Line
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Istanbul’s forum showed IBA aligning itself with iconic names and business voices.
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Dubai will host the richest amateur boxing event ever seen.
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But the organisation’s lack of IOC recognition and governance concerns still hang over its future.
The battle for amateur boxing’s soul is now as much about credibility as it is about cash.