Umar Kremlev Discusses IBA’s Vision, Governance Reforms and the Future of Global Boxing

iSportConnect sat down with Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), on the sidelines of the IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai. In an exclusive conversation, Kremlev discussed why this year’s event is historic, the rise of new global boxing powers, upcoming reforms to elevate the sport, and how the IBA is building a unified ecosystem for athletes, fans, and the future of boxing.

How important is this World Boxing Championship with the biggest prize money fund?

This championship is truly historic. Even I’m surprised by some of the outcomes — Russia didn’t just win; our athletes dominated with knockdowns and knockouts. The competition has been very strong. Yesterday, for example, Julio César La Cruz, a two-time Olympic champion, lost to an Uzbek boxer. We’re seeing many new talents emerge — a 19-year-old from Azerbaijan became world champion, and Rogozin from Russia, also 19, is showing incredible results.

African nations are moving forward too. Previously, not many African countries participated at this level, but now several have won medals. Prize money plays a role in this progress — we changed the format so that what international associations earn goes directly to the athletes.

Our goal is to develop mass sport participation and make boxing a unifying force. This year we have boxers from more than 118 countries — more than the Olympics. With DAZN broadcasting to nearly 200 countries, we’ll continue expanding. Ultimately, everything we do is for the athletes and coaches.

Many countries that weren’t traditionally strong in boxing are now performing well. Does this mean outsiders have improved or that the leaders’ level has dropped? And what other changes can we expect?

This shows that many countries have started investing seriously in boxing. They’re developing athletes, and the sport is becoming more popular globally. Young boxers are delivering powerful, impressive performances.

As for future changes: we’re creating unified professional-style standards. Starting with the next World Championship, gloves will match professional quality, and we’re eliminating standing knockdowns. In amateur boxing, a knockdown counts as one point, while in professional boxing it counts as a round. Removing standing knockdowns will avoid confusion for fans and bring amateur and professional boxing closer.

We’re also working on improving conditions for athletes — that’s always our top priority. The host city for the next World Championship will be chosen from several applicants, and we’ll select a venue with at least 15,000 seats to meet growing interest.

Regarding the alternative “wall boxing” organization — I wish them success, though I’ve heard they’re experiencing financial difficulties.

What is so different about the IBA when compared with other boxing federation?

We stand for zero restrictions in boxing. We believe every boxer should be allowed to compete — amateurs, professionals, everyone. Boxing shouldn’t have limitations; it should welcome all athletes. That’s why at our World Championships we have professionals participating as well. The boxing world itself must determine who’s the best, and that can only be proven in the ring.

Today, the IBA is the only platform that brings together professionals, amateurs, and even bare-knuckle fighters. The WBA world title is being contested on our platform — that says everything. We are the leaders.

Tell us about the IBA mobile game.

We are building a huge ecosystem around IBA and boxing. This game is for fans and also for people with disabilities; they will be able to compete for a world champion title too, with prize money coming next year.

Next year we’ll also host the World Team Cup — team boxing. Many promoters are preparing for it, and we’re ready to create the best conditions for fans, boxers, and coaches. The Russian team looks very strong so far, but we can’t congratulate anyone in advance. Things can change any moment. The fights here are incredible — a two-time world champion or even a two-time Olympic champion can step into the ring and lose to an international master of sports. This shows how competitive and exciting boxing has become.

Why choose Dubai as the host nation?

Dubai and the Emirates are remarkable places. They offer everything needed to host major global events. Our goal is to make these tournaments accessible to all boxing fans, athletes, and coaches. We strive to create the best possible conditions for our boxers and trainers.

As for Dubai, we’ve already held several events here, and I believe this is only the beginning. The Emirates are poised to attract even more major events, because it’s an incredible country with wonderful people and countless tourists from all over the world who want to witness top-level boxing