IBA hosts third edition of Global Boxing Forum in Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The International Boxing Association has concluded the first day of their Global Boxing Forum (IBA GBF) in Abu Dhabi, which included a vast array of discussion panels, keynote speeches, roundtables and seminars.

The key theme of this year’s edition of the IBA GBF is ‘ensuring sound opportunities for athletes and IBA’s place in the Olympic Games’.

The IBA GBF brought experts and industry leaders together to discuss relevant topics, including sport for peace and its power to Support Conflict Resolution, Challenges and Solutions for Boxing Development on the five continents, sports and governance integrity, the career development journey from IBA to professional, digital media and its role in developing boxing in the gulf region, social responsibility and humanitarian Initiatives Powered by Boxing, IBA’s Digital Transformation.

The IBA GBF Abu Dhabi 2022 press conference was attended by Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association, Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary General of the UAE Boxing Federation, current and legendary boxers Estelle Mossely, Evander Holyfield, Kostya Tszyu, Roy Jones Jr and Tammara Thibeault, and was moderated by Angela Barnes.

The IBA GBF Abu Dhabi 2022 marks the first time that the Forum has been held in the Middle East, the first two editions of the forum, held in 2018 in Sochi and in 2019 in Ekaterinburg, already proved the effectiveness of the IBA GBF as a platform for fostering effective development of the sport.

Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) stated: “It has been my utmost pleasure to host the 3rd edition of the IBA GBF in Abu Dhabi. The IBA envisions this Forum to be a catalyst for positive, two-way dialogue and the spark towards further advancements in the sport of boxing.

The key and overarching theme of the IBA GBF is about the integral need for sound governance in international boxing; sports and governance integrity are essential to all international sports federations, and that’s why we recognise the need to bring together leading voices of the boxing community to engage in discussions which elevate us as a collective whole.”

Kremlev added: “IBA is committed to ensuring that the entire sport of boxing, boxers, and all international sporting federations connected to boxing, can work in cohesion to create a harmonious and thriving boxing ecosystem. Through forums and events such as the IBA GBF we will remain dedicated to showcasing the IBA’s imperative role in all boxing-related activities, including the Olympic Games.”

Hammadi stated: “As the sport of boxing continues to grow and thrive in the UAE, we are absolutely delighted to host the IBA GBF here in Abu Dhabi for its inaugural edition in the Middle East. The discussions, insight and transferable knowledge will undoubtedly help to further enhance the sport in this region.

Hammadi added: “It has been an honour to work in close cohesion with the IBA and recognise first- hand the esteem and merit they bring to boxing. I look forward to welcoming them again as we use the IBA GBF Abu Dhabi 2022 as the foundation of a fruitful working relationship.”

Roy Jones Jr, multiple World Champion in professional boxing and Olympic Silver Medalist, stated: “The IBA GBF Abu Dhabi 2022 has been a resounding success. There is no boxing without the IBA, it truly is the home of boxing and they’ve showcased that once again by creating imperative and meaningful discussions that prioritize the athletes first, across all levels. Our athletes are the most important part of the boxing community and without them, we have no boxing ecosystem at all. It deeply encourages me to see organisations like the IBA recognising that and being the vocal champion of all boxers."