PuraVida Sports

By Elias Makori in Dubai

Russian boxing earned $2,925,000 (Sh380 million) in prize money from the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships that drew to a colourful close at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Saturday night with International Boxing Association President Umar Kremlev promising more goodies for boxers in 2026.

Kremlev told the IBA Ordinary Congress on Saturday that, through marketing efforts spearheaded, among others, by the organisation’s CEO Chris Roberts and Head of Presidential Operations, Communications and Public Relations Elena Sobol, the IBA now had a solid financial footing with an annual budget of about $50 million (Sh6.4 billion).

The two-week competition was closed with a spectacular dinner and entertainment at the Emirates Golf Club highlighted by a spectacular, 15-minute drone show and a live band.

Russia, who had 12 finalists in action on Saturday night in the tournament that attracted 428 boxers from 109 nations, won seven gold medals through Vsevolod Shumkov (lightweight), Ilia Popov (light welterweight), Ismael Musolgov (middleweight) Dzhambulat Bizhamov (light heavyweight), Sharabutdin Ataev (cruiserweight), Muslim Gadzhimagomedov (heavyweight) and David Surov (super heavyweight).

Silvers came through Edmond Khudoian (minimumweight), Bair Batlaev (flyweight), Viacheslav Rogozin (bantamweight), Evgenii Kool (welterweight) and Sergei Kildenkov (light middleweight) while featherweight Andrei Peglivanian settled for bronze.

This year’s competition had a $300,000 (Sh39 million) cash reward for gold medallists, $150,000 (Sh19.5 million) for silver and $75,000 (Sh9.75 million) for bronze, while the quarter-finalists took home $10,000 (Sh1.3 million) each.

Development of boxing within federations

According to the IBA’s prize money distribution half the amount was for the boxers with 25 percent going to the boxer’s national federation and the remaining 25 percent to the coaching staff.

“The strong enthusiasm among athletes and the high level of interest in this event confirm the importance of our decision to award prize money up to fifth place. This approach allows more countries to benefit and ensures that athletes can earn income for their performance,” President Kremlev said.

“It is important that 50 percent of the prize money goes directly to the athlete, 25 percent to the coach, and 25 percent to the national federation,” he told delegates at the IBA Ordinary Congress at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

“The IBA will directly oversee this process. After the completion of the World Championships and anti-doping procedures, prize funds will be allocated to support boxers, coaches, and the development of boxing within national federations.”

Kremlev added that the IBA plans to increase the total prize fund from $8 million to $10 million US dollars. As a result, athletes finishing in fourth and fifth place will receive $30,000 instead of $10,000. 

“This is a deliberate step to involve more countries and to ensure that athletes understand their preparation and participation are truly worthwhile,” Kremlev said, also hinting at an increase of weight divisions from the current 13 to 14.

“I will also propose to Congress an increase in the number of weight categories to 14, including the addition of a new super-heavyweight category. I am confident that many countries will support this initiative, as it will expand opportunities for athletes, increase prize distribution, and attract more participants,” he said.

“Our main goal is to see more countries competing, winning prizes, and developing boxing, making it a flagship sport in every nation. Boxing is unique — it is a sport where one athlete can fill stadiums and bring worldwide recognition to their country. Among combat sports, boxing truly holds a leading position.”

IBA assistance programmes, Team World Cup

Kremlev also announced that the IBA would be supporting its affiliate national and continental members with equipment.

“Through the IBA Assistance Programme, we provide gloves and rings to national federations. Please submit your applications — distributions will take place next year. In addition, next year we will hold four continental tournaments, each with a prize fund of $1 million dollars, shared between national federations, coaches, and athletes.”

The IBA President said the efforts are aimed at strengthening the national federations.

“All IBA revenues belong to you — the people who develop boxing, train athletes, and bring them to the international stage. We host the championships, but you build the foundation,” he said, adding that next year, the IBA will also begin investing in training infrastructure through the IBA Gym Programme, establishing IBA gyms in various countries with the budget for this initiative is already being prepared.

“In the coming year, we must work together to fully utilize these funds and direct them toward supporting national federations and assisting boxers. 

“Many athletes were previously unable to participate simply because they lacked financial resources, and the IBA has made it possible for them to compete. More than 20 countries received IBA support to take part in the World Championships, and I am very proud of this achievement. It is the result of our collective effort — our team and our global boxing family.”

To further celebrate the “Golden Era” of boxing, Kremlev also announced that the IBA will launch a “Team World Cup” team championship next year with a prize purse of $10 million (Sh1.3 billion).

“In the Team World Cup, the champion team will receive five million dollars, second place will receive three million, and third place two million. However, we are open to your ideas — including the possibility of rewarding fourth and fifth places to make the competition even more engaging and inclusive,” he announced adding that the marketing programmes of the IBA are now more vibrant.

‘PacMan’ in the house

“Today, we clearly see how rapidly the IBA’s global popularity is growing. The broadcast rights for our semi-finals and finals have been acquired by DAZN. Our IBA Challenger company, established specifically to strengthen marketing and attract sponsors, is operating very effectively.”

Filipino boxing legend Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, who was recently incorporated as IBA Vice President, also addressed the IBA Congress, paying tribute to Kremlev and the IBA for supporting young, underprivileged boxers.

“I deeply admire the IBA’s mission to support young athletes who dream big, not just in one or two countries, but globally. This vision is not only about promoting health and sports but also about building meaningful relationships with each individual. The stronger our connections, the brighter the future we can create. This is exactly what Umar and the IBA are achieving today,” Pacquiao said.

elias.makori@ymail.com