All set for IBA global boxing forum, Champions’ Night in Dubai

Attention of boxing fans across the globe will be on Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on December 9, during the landmark IBA Congress and Global Boxing Forum.

A star-studded IBA Night of Champions would complement it.

The Ordinary Congress, a cornerstone event for the IBA, will convene delegates from national federations worldwide to deliberate and decide on the strategic direction of boxing.

A statement by the organisers made available to The Guardian, yesterday, revealed that over 171 national federations would participate in the congress.

A highlight of the congress agenda being the election of a female representative to the IBA Board of Directors from the Americas, reflecting the IBA’s commitment to gender equality and representation. Details on the Ordinary Congress are available here.

Also on the card with congress is the 4th Global Boxing Forum, which will serve as an incubator for progressive ideas, where the sharpest minds in boxing — boxers, coaches, and administrators alike — will unite to discuss, debate, and design the future of boxing.

“This year’s forum theme is Protecting the Physical, Mental, and Financial Health of our Athletes and is poised to be a catalyst for change,” the statement said.

“In addition, the forum will provide a springboard for innovative practices and transformative collaborations within the sport and will shed a light into digital technologies coming into the sport.

According to the organisers, the forum’s objective is aims to unite, educate, and generate ideas for the boxing community.

“The discussions are not just words but an action plan that is to be implemented. The crescendo of this program is the IBA Champions’ Night with the crème de la crème of champions and contenders facing each other. The magnificent event features Albert Batyrgaziev, the Olympic champion from Russia, facing off the three-time World champion, Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez Estrada in 60kg division. Both boxers have professional experience and great career at IBA’s events, and it is high time they brought all their skills to challenge each other.”

The fight card also boasts an 86kg clash with world champion, Loren Alfonso Domingues of Azerbaijan, facing the formidable World Championships runner-up, Aliaksei Alfiorau from Belarus.

In a bout that promises fireworks, Saidjamshid Jafarov, the World Championships silver medallist, will fight against Japan’s World champion Sewonrets Okazawa in 71kg.

IBA President Umar Kremlev was enthusiastic about the events. “Choosing Dubai as the location for these important boxing events shows our constant dedication to doing our best and our deep love for boxing.

“We can’t wait to welcome the global boxing community come to Dubai to see some of the best boxers in action. The IBA Champions’ Night is going to be a showcase of outstanding talent, bringing together some of the top athletes for an evening,” he said.