A host of the biggest names in boxing descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the IBA. The presentation coincided with an IBA professional boxing event. IBA president Umar Kremlev was joined on stage by former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford. Kremlev laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the IBA, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.

 

When it was his turn to speak, Fury gave a speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.

 

‘Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here to be part of this day.’

 

‘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 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 to play the role of matchmaker as he asked Fury about a potential bout 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!’

 

Crawford, just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, took time out from his busy schedule to attend the conference in support of IBA and Kremlev. ‘It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,’ said the American boxing legend.

 

‘There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.’

 

Ahead of his bout with ‘Canelo’ in September, Crawford insisted he is fully prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.

 

‘I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on September 13th.’