The International Boxing Association (IBA) has unveiled an eye-watering $8 million prize pool for its Men’s Elite World Championships in Dubai this December, in what is being viewed as a clear counterpunch to the IOC-recognized World Boxing body.
From December 2 to 13, the IBA will stage its flagship amateur event at Dubai’s National Tennis Stadium, billing it as a “Festival of Boxing.” The headline-grabbing figure is the $300,000 prize for each gold medalist, with silver earning $150,000, bronze $75,000, and even fifth place taking home $10,000.
IBA President Umar Kremlev described the tournament as a landmark moment.
“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,” Kremlev said.
IBA chiefs will split the money 50% to the fighter, 25% to the coach, and 25% to the national federation, a structure designed to make the cash stretch beyond individuals.
The Wider Battle
But beneath the headlines lies a deeper struggle. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) told boxing that it needed governance reform to retain its place in the Olympics for 2028. In response, over 125 federations defected from the IBA to form World Boxing, which held its first successful global championships in Liverpool last month.
The IBA still claims to have 190 federations under its banner, but the split has left the sport more divided than ever before. By dangling record prize money, the IBA is attempting to lure top talent back into its fold—a strategy some see as innovative. The regulatory issues cited by the IOC against the IBA, which included serious concerns over refereeing, judging, and financial transparency, form the core reason for the mass defection.
A Statement of Intent
The December championships will be the IBA’s boldest statement since the breakaway. It is a direct play to convince athletes that the most significant opportunities remain under its umbrella, despite the IOC’s alignment with World Boxing.
Secretary General Chris Roberts OBE called the event “a celebration of boxing in all its forms,” while the organization insists Dubai will become “the capital of boxing” for two weeks.
Yet the bigger question remains: will cold, hard cash be enough to stem the momentum of World Boxing, especially with Olympic dreams at stake?
For now, the IBA has thrown down the gauntlet. December will show how many in the amateur game are willing to pick it up.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.