The International Boxing Association (IBA) brought together leading voices to help define the
next era of sport with a clear message: the future of sport belongs to those who unite, not
divide.
At the weekend’s IBA Sport and Business Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, President Umar Kremlev
welcomed Donald Trump Jr, Executive Vice-President of The Trump Organization, onto a stage
already graced by legends Manny Pacquiao and Rasheda Ali Walsh, daughter of the greatest
Muhammad Ali.
It turned out to be the articulation of a shared vision that sport must remain above politics,
rooted in fairness, and empowered by business.
Mr Kremlev, whose leadership has steered IBA into a new phase of global expansion, set the
tone with a message that resonated deeply across the hall: ‘Sport has always been very much a
peacekeeper, and so it should stay. Boxing aims give opportunities to athletes everywhere to
secure their future, free of politics and full of new chances.
Fairness, respect, and integrity
“Our task is not only to organize the most advanced events, but to make sure every young
athlete has a pathway. That is why I am proud to stand here with my friend Donald Trump Jr,
who shares this belief that fairness, respect, and integrity are the foundations of sport.
Together, we will protect the transparency of boxing and open the door for the next
generation.”
Trump Jr echoed the message of IBA President: “I probably don’t belong to this incredible
family of champions and legends, but my family has been involved in boxing for many years. I
grew up watching those great Saturday night fights, learning from the front row about work
ethic, discipline, and unity.
“I remember sitting beside Lennox Lewis, watching and learning not just about the sport but
about life. Even after the most brutal fight, two opponents come together with deep respect –
that is the best of people.
“What I saw at the last Olympic Games was truly sad, especially as the father of a young female
athlete. The fairness of sport matters. My daughter has dedicated her life to excellence, and to
see those values undermined is unacceptable.
“What Umar is doing – restoring actual fairness, bringing back the purity of boxing, and giving
the youth of today a chance to step away from the computer and into the ring – is
extraordinary. This is not just about boxing; it’s about life lessons, discipline, integrity and
opportunity. That’s the legacy we need, and I am proud to call Umar not only a leader but a
friend.”
Values, trust, and reputation
For Rasheda Ali Walsh, the symbolism was deeply personal.
“My father, Muhammad Ali, used boxing as a platform for peace, justice, and human dignity. I
see that same spirit alive in IBA under Umar’s leadership. Sport is not only business; it remains
full of values, trust, and reputation. That’s what truly shapes the future.
“The legacy my father left reminds us that greatness is not just measured by titles, but by the
impact we leave on humanity, and I see that fine spirit here today.”
Manny Pacquiao, whose rise from rejection at the amateur level to become an eight-division
world champion, reminded the audience that grassroots support is the true heartbeat of the
sport.
“For two years I applied to be part of the Philippine Olympic team, but politics stopped me. I
turned professional at 16, even lying about my age because it was my only chance. Two years
later I became a world champion.
Pacquiao supporting grassroots boxing
“That is why I believe so strongly that supporting grassroots boxing is essential. IBA is doing
that, and I thank President Kremlev for it. My new project, the League of Destiny, will bring
together fighters from all nations and create a legacy for the next generations. I am proud to
work with IBA and with Umar to make this dream a reality.”
At the height of the ceremony, President Kremlev honoured Mr. Kaan Karakaya with the title of
official IBA Representative in the Republic of Türkiye, cementing ties with a strategically vital
region.
“Kaan has been a bridge between worlds, a friend who brings people together, and someone
who truly believes in boxing’s mission as a tool for peace and business development. His
commitment is invaluable,” President Kremlev claimed.
Kaan Karakaya responded with gratitude and resolve: “It is an honour to accept this
responsibility for Türkiye. Under President Kremlev’s leadership, IBA has become more than an
International Federation – it has become a global home of boxing. I will work tirelessly to make
sure that this vision is realized in our country, and that Turkish boxing continues to rise as part
of this great movement.”
Redefining sport’s role in society
The Istanbul forum became the forging of an alliance between decision-makers, cultural icons,
and visionaries determined to redefine sport’s role in society. By aligning business with values,
boxing with fairness, and legacy with innovation, they sent a clear message: the future of sport
belongs to those who unite, not divide.
The upcoming IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai will be the next milestone in
this journey.
President Kremlev invited Donald Trump Jr to have this event as a joint one to welcome the
whole international boxing family and witness the best showcase of boxing.
Istanbul forum marked the moment when leaders from sport, business, and the legacy families
of boxing stood together to unite.
President Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr made it clear – this alliance will not remain symbolic.
More joint initiatives will follow, uniting continents, generations, and industries under one bold
vision. The world of sports has witnessed the birth of a partnership powerful enough to reshape
the global sporting landscape. (IBA).
