The International Boxing Association (IBA) on Wednesday sensationally announced a two-week,
2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set for December 2 to 13 at Dubai’s iconic National
Tennis Stadium, headlining a blockbuster two-week Festival of Boxing.
And, for the first time, coaches and national federations will also benefit from the prize money
on offer.
The showpiece event will see the IBA welcome the world’s finest international talent to the
region, all vying for a chance to capture championship glory and an opportunity to compete for
a jaw-dropping $8 million (Sh1.03 billion) in prize money.
With a staggering $300,000 (Sh38.9 million) on offer for the winner of each category, the
competition stands to be the richest in the sport’s history.
The prize distribution will be as follows:
- First Place: $300,000 (Sh38.9 million) per weight category
- Second Place: $150,000 (Sh19.4 million) per weight category
- Third Place: $75,000 (Sh9.7 million) per weight category
- Fifth Place: $10,000 (Sh1.3 million) per weight category
And in the prize structure, 50 percent of the amount will go to the boxer, 25 percent to the
coaches and 25 percent to the National Federation.
“The record-breaking prize pool underscores IBA President Umar Kremlev’s continued
commitment to investing in grassroots boxing and the IBA’s dedication to rewarding excellence
on the global stage,” the IBA said in a statement on Wednesday.
The prize distribution celebrates the combined efforts of boxers, their coaches and their
respective National Federations, with each payout shared to recognise their collective
contributions.
“This World Championships is not just about records and prize money – it is about giving every
boxer, every coach and every National Federation the respect and reward they deserve,” said
President Kremlev.
“Dubai will become the capital of boxing this December, where athletes from every corner of
the globe will compete on equal terms, under their own flags, and with a chance to change
their lives. The IBA exists to protect boxers, to create opportunities and to ensure that the sport
remains a force for unity and fairness. The Festival of Boxing will be remembered as the
moment when our sport reached a new level.”
With a legacy spanning over 75 years, and having nurtured some of the finest boxers to ever
grace the sport, the IBA stands alone as the global leader of elite level boxing; guiding talent
from day one and upholding the sport’s heritage and values.
The 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships embody this enduring commitment, elevating
boxing to new heights with a spectacle that blends world-class competition, cultural celebration and unparalleled showmanship. The tournament will seek to unite the world’s leading boxing
nations and welcome fighters from around the globe in a display of unity, skill, and equality.
“The IBA Men’s Elite World Championships in Dubai this December will be more than a
competition, it will be a celebration of boxing in all its forms,” said Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary
General and CEO of IBA.
“Coupled with the IBA Global Boxing Forum, a top-class IBA Pro Event and the IBA Congress, this
gathering represents the full spectrum of our sport. IBA is not just an organisation; it is a
philosophy. A global movement that champions excellence, innovation, and unity in boxing.”
The Festival of Boxing will transform Dubai into the global epicentre of the sport, with the IBA
welcoming fighters from all nations and federations, blending elite competition with vibrant fan
experiences and further symbolising the IBA’s vision of a sport that unites without borders or
politics. Further details of the Festival of Boxing will be announced in due course.
“The IBA invites fans, media, and enthusiasts to join this historic spectacle, as the world’s best
boxers compete in a show-stopping event that will echo through the ages,” the IBA added in
Wednesday’s statement.
