In a warm and encouraging address to the delegates at the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC) Congress in Istanbul, Umar Kremlev, the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), expressed his unwavering confidence in the future of the organization. The Congress, attended by representatives from 34 European countries, served as a platform for important discussions and decisions that will shape the course of European boxing.
President Kremlev’s opening speech, alongside other prominent figures such as Ioannis Filippatos, President of the European Boxing Confederation, Franco Falcinelli, Honorary President of EUBC, and Chris Roberts, Interim Secretary General of the IBA, set a tone of unity and cooperation among the member nations.
The Congress witnessed unanimous decisions to amend the EUBC constitution and introduce a Code of Conduct, demonstrating the commitment of the European boxing community to transparency and integrity. However, the most critical item on the agenda was the issue of athlete selection within the EUBC. Emphasizing the importance of equal terms and rights for all athletes, the European Boxing Confederation called on national European boxing federations to embrace a non-political approach. President Kremlev stressed that sports should remain autonomous and neutral in relation to politics, ensuring fair opportunities for all athletes and promoting boxing as a means of upward mobility.
President Kremlev expressed deep gratitude to the delegates for their invaluable contributions and dedication to the sport. Drawing from his own experiences as a child without access to proper resources, he emphasized his motivation to ensure that present-day boxers have everything they need to succeed. President Kremlev’s efforts to provide boxing gear to children in different countries underscore his commitment to empowering aspiring athletes and enabling them to provide for themselves. He emphasized the importance of instilling in parents the belief that boxing offers opportunities for their children’s development and success.
Turning his attention to the Olympics, President Kremlev expressed his thrill that boxing retains its place in the Olympic program. He confidently stated his belief that the IBA will regain its recognition, highlighting the fact that fans come to watch the athletes, their techniques, and the beauty of the sport, rather than the sports officials. Despite recent decisions that he deemed lacking transparency and democracy, President Kremlev remained resolute in the IBA’s commitment to preserving the integrity and independence of the sport. He assured the boxing community that the IBA will continue to operate globally, promoting boxing while staying clear of unscrupulous politics.
During the Congress, plans were unveiled to open a new EUBC office in Monaco, Monte Carlo, in September of this year. The Assisi office in Italy will remain the headquarters, serving as a central hub for the Confederation’s operations. President Kremlev proposed the establishment of a European Boxing Cup with a substantial prize fund of $1 million, aiming to elevate the profile of the sport and provide greater financial support to boxers. Furthermore, the IBA will continue its financial support to federations, with an increase in the annual allocation from $50,000 to $100,000 in the following year. President Kremlev emphasized the need to direct the revenue generated towards the boxers, recognizing their dedication and vocation, and ensuring they receive proper compensation.
In conclusion, President Umar Kremlev reiterated the significance of unity and pride in the actions of the boxing community. He emphasized the continuous effort to provide fair opportunities for children through boxing and pledged to persistently advocate for the values of the IBA. With its athlete-first approach, the International Boxing Association (IBA), established in 1946, remains committed to promoting, supporting, developing, and uniting the sport of boxing worldwide under President Umar Kremlev’s leadership.
