IBA and WBA sign collaboration agreement to enhance amateur boxing

Presidents of two boxing organisations, Umar Kremlev from the IBA side and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza from the WBA side, have agreed on future cooperation between the organisations and the development of a roadmap of mutual work across complete interests during their meeting in Mexico City.

The agreement includes cooperation in the development of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing through specific programmes.

The parties aim to create single regulations for amateur and professional boxing, including boxers’ medical safety and well-being management, coaches’ development, and accordance with technical and competition rules.

“Within IBA, we are building a Global home of boxing. The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing as a sport, our goal is to build the bridge between the two organisations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide,” IBA President Kremlev said.

“This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that ‘Boxing is One’ and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Gilberto Jesús Mendoza said during the meeting.

The agreement also foresees the development of a joint Academy and the integration of WBA/IBA boxers into respective tournaments.

Both sides agreed to work on possible new competition concepts and joint events.

Moreover, the strategy will be studied to implement the World Boxing Tour programme, in which the WBA will provide support to the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking. (IBA)