World Boxing Championships could be annual

Havana, May 2 (RHC)-- As soon as the world championship in Tashkent began, the president of the International Boxing Association (IBA), Umar Kremlev, announced that these events could be held annually.

Although the next editions seem destined to be held in 2025 and 2027, the executive made this intention public when talking to presidents of national federations and other authorities, to whom he assured that the funds allocated to these events would grow rapidly until each belt would be awarded with one million dollars.

In the midst of a protracted dispute with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which banned him from conducting the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 tournaments, Kremlev insisted that the IBA prioritizes the creation of better conditions for its athletes.

"I am absolutely convinced that the welfare of our boxers is the key to the success of our sport," maintained the Russian official, who insisted that every competitor should have the right to represent his or her country on equal terms.

"I can categorically state that the IBA should invest in boxing and not make money out of it," he maintained before condemning attempts to create a parallel organization and the boycott decreed by several national federations of the Tashkent event.

"There have always been attempts to destroy the integrity of the IBA, both from inside and outside. In fact, it is a sign that we are very successful and chose the right direction," he said.

He urged to concentrate efforts on the athletes and coaches, and considered that unity will guarantee the fulfillment of this and other objectives.

For the time being, the presence of 538 athletes from 107 countries, seven of them with full squads, is a sign of support for the IBA, which made an impact with a high-class opening ceremony and has taken extreme measures to avoid refereeing scandals.