ISTANBUL: Some of the fight game’s biggest names descended on Istanbul on Wednesday for a special presentation on behalf of the International Boxing Association.
The organization’s president, Umar Kremlev, was joined on stage by boxing star Terence Crawford and former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
With “The Gypsy King” still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker.
Chisora asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title. “Of course, 100 percent,” Fury confirmed.
“Show me the money, Umar. I haven’t got an IBA Pro belt, but I’m available, I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle.”
Kremlev laid out his upcoming plans for “The Golden Era” of the IBA, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.
Meanwhile Fury delighted the audience by saying he could be tempted out of retirement if a rich offer came along.
“I’m thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,” said Kremlev, at the star-studded gathering.
“Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that IBA is their boxing home. Wherever the boxer is in the world, the IBA will support them. This is our main goal.
“We also understand that it is our duty to create opportunities for children, who will gain positive development from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families,” the IBA president said.
“We are now creating an ecosystem that includes amateur boxing, professional boxing and bareknuckle boxing. Why bareknuckle boxing?
“That is where it began. It’s the history of boxing. We, as IBA, want to regulate bareknuckle boxing and help to create opportunities for the fighters.”
With the press conference taking place just hours before the highly-anticipated WBA/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and Liverpool’s James “Jazza” Dickens, the topic of professional boxing, and the IBA’s rising professional arm also took centerstage.
The competition, which features some of the world’s finest amateur boxers as well as established professionals from across the globe, seeks to showcase top tier fighters.
“The IBA has become an incredible home for me to express our unique vision,” said Al Siesta, director of IBA Pro.
“This is like Real Madrid, you go through the amateur ranks, you earn your stripes and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you. When it comes to the governing bodies, we are open for collaboration.
“This is not a competition, we want to welcome them and work with everyone. As time goes by, we will develop our ranking system which will be formed based purely on one’s ability. If you can fight, then IBA Pro is the place for you.”
The conference saw the IBA representatives reiterate their support for fighters starting their journey to the highest levels of the unpaid ranks.
By incentivizing competitors with sizeable prize money, as well as providing a support system for its athletes, the IBA is aiming to ensure financial backing for the next generation of stars.
“Our president, Mr. Umar Kremlev, has done a sterling job over the past few years,” said IBA Secretary-General and CEO Chris Roberts.
“IBA is a full hybrid platform. We now have a true ecosystem that manages schoolboys and schoolgirls from the amateurs right the way through to professional boxing.
“The aim is to provide a platform for success to kids of tomorrow, who can see those stars on TV and then compete and become champions themselves.
“The operational ability of our organization is huge. We’re not here to show anything to anybody, we just want to go out there and do it. On the amateur side, we have the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships this year in the UAE, and what you will see is the buildup to those events.
Roberts continued: “The IBA Golden Era is something we have been moving towards for a long time. It’s great to have everyone here to experience things firsthand.
“We continue to work hard and support our national federations. Umar has invested millions into federations who had nothing, all to continue the work with kids and champions of tomorrow.”
Among the gathering of stars was four-weight world champion Crawford who is just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
“It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.
“There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.”
Ahead of his bout with Canelo in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.
“I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on Sept. 13.”
Fury credited both Crawford and Alvarez for their blockbuster showdown, heaping praise on the pair for continuing to keep boxing in the limelight.
“I think it’s a fantastic fight for boxing,” he said. “It’s two of the biggest names in boxing coming together. Two men, pride on the line and everything to fight for.
“They’re two proud champions and I wish them all the best. They’re going to go in there, do their best, entertain the public and provide for their families, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) banner, gave a passionate speech about the importance of grassroots investment, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment.
“Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.”
“I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money,” Fury added. “We fight for the biggest purse, and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing.
“When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.”
