Tyson Fury descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
IBA President, Umar Kremlev, was joined on stage by the heavyweight icon Tyson Fury, and laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the globally-renowned organisation, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle fields.
“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 boxer knows that IBA is their boxing home. Wherever the boxer is in the world, the IBA will support them. This our main goal. We also understand that is our duty to create opportunities for children, who will gain a social lift from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families.
“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.”
Former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) amateur banner, gave a passionate speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.
“Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here.
“I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money. 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 of these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.”
With ‘The Gypsy King’ still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora - also in attendance - to play the role of matchmaker as he asked his friend Fury about a potential fight with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title.
“Of course. 100%.” Fury confirmed.
“Show me the money, Umar [Kremlev]! I haven’t got an IBA PRO belt, but I’m available — I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle!”