IBA approves composition of Professional Boxing Committee. IBA

The IBA Board of Directors has given the green light to the members of the newly established Professional Boxing Committee for 2023. Ten of the 27 proposals were approved and will now undergo a review process before the final decision is announced.

Following its virtual board meeting last Friday, the IBA Board of Directors decided to approve the members of the newly established Professional Boxing Committee. The committee will be responsible for regulating professional boxing from 2023. The selection process selected ten future candidates from the 27 proposals submitted. 

They will work in key areas of development and event project management. They will be required to adhere to existing good governance methods and practices and will undergo an evaluation process by the IBA. Once this process is completed, the full composition of the committee members will be announced and they will be notified of their appointment by IBA President Umar Kremlev.

"As we continue to promote professional boxing around the world, the formation of the IBA Professional Boxing Committee marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of excellence. We are committed to ensuring that our champions and athletes receive the recognition they deserve and those opportunities that are directly related to our national federations," stated IBA President Umar Kremlev.

The Professional Boxing Committee will manage events such as the Champions’ Night and the opportunity for boxers to compete for titles. IBA
The Professional Boxing Committee will manage events such as the Champions’ Night and the opportunity for boxers to compete for titles. IBA

IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said, "The IBA Professional Boxing Committee will be an operational asset within the organisation." It will focus on the regulation of IBA Champions' Night events and other related projects. The IBA intends to develop professional boxing issues but, according to Roberts, "without forgetting the core business of amateur boxing events." The Secretary General said, "A comprehensive ranking system along with these competitive bouts will create a whole new landscape in the professional boxing world, giving our boxers the chance to compete for the coveted IBA titles."

Several projects are underway. One of them is the IBA World Youth Boxing Championships, which was confirmed at the IBA Board meeting last Friday. The IBA will return to Montenegro, as Budva has been chosen as the new host. The Youth Championships will take place from 20 October to 6 November 2024. It will be organised by the Montenegro Boxing Association.