IBA Ordinary Congress, Global Boxing Forum in Dubai to Shape Future of Boxing

By Duro Ikhazuagbe

Beginning from this Friday, Dubai in the Middle East will be the focus of boxing world as three of the most important events in International Boxing Association (IBA) calendar will take place in the city known for its hospitality and commerce.

The IBA Ordinary Congress; the Global Boxing Forum; and the Champions Night in Dubai will light up the City before Saturday night when Olympic and World champions will go to ‘War’ to determine who wears the title of first IBA champions here.

First, reception and gala dinner for guests arriving from all corners of the globe is on the card even as the Arabian hosts are not sparing anything to give the visitors from a total of 171 federations a memorable time here. 

At the Ordinary Congress, all the National Federations of the world will study and deliberate on the strategies to be followed for the future of boxing.

In addition to several topics of vital importance, the election of a female representative on the IBA Americas Board of Directors stands out, an important element that demonstrates the commitment to gender equality maintained by the IBA. 

Three candidates are running for the election of a female board member of the Americas to fill the currently vacant position: The contestants include; Lourdes Avendaño from Bolivia, Ivonne Núñez from Ecuador, and Luisa Benítez from Venezuela. These are the eligible candidates approved by the BIIU Nominations Unit.

1- Avendañowas a boxer before and represented the Bolivian team in international boxing competitions. She is a certified IBA coach and holds a degree in Business Administration. 

2- Núñezis a lawyer and economist currently pursuing a Ph.D. She also teaches law at several universities in Ecuador. She received the Dr. Leonidas Ortega Moreira Professional Merit Award in 2015 and 2016. 

3- Benítezis the President of the Venezuelan Boxing Federation (FEVEBOX) and an active member of the Board of the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC). She has previously served on the IBA Board of Directors, is a lawyer, and a certified IBA international technical official.

Next, the fourth Global Boxing Congress will take place. This will be the moment to present ideas by specialists in the sport and the most influential and knowledgeable individuals. Coaches, administrators, managers… This year’s theme will revolve around the protection of the Physical, Mental, and Financial health of athletes. The aim is to generate ideas within the boxing community to find the best joint strategy and the most suitable action plan.

The Champions Night that will feature Olympic champion Russian Albert Batyrgaziev and three-time world champion Lazaro Alvarez Estrada of Cuba in the 60-kilogram division, amongst several other bouts, will be the icing on what IBA is bringing to this United Arab Emirate nation.

The fight between Batyrgaziev and Lazaro Alvarez will contest a new title that has not been on the line before, in a bout scheduled for ten rounds. 

Speaking on the boxing extravaganza in Dubai, IBA President, Umar Kremlev, said he hopes that the event will showcase exceptional talent from some of the best boxers. 

“The IBA Champions Night will be a showcase of exceptional talent, bringing together some of the best athletes for an evening that will surely be memorable,” concluded the IBA’s highest authority.