In a recent revelation, Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), discussed the potential location for the 2024 World Boxing Championship. Kremlev’s statement came during his participation in the congress of the American Boxing Federation (AMBC) held in Cali, Colombia.
Plans for the 2024 World Boxing Championship
“As our vision expands, we are setting our sights on organizing more competitions, emphasizing the importance of these events for our athletes. Given that 2024 is the year of IBA’s America, I propose hosting the America Cup in October 2024 with a prize fund of $1 million. In addition to this, we are looking forward to staging the World Boxing Tour in North and South America, as well as the IBA World Boxing Championship. The finalists from the continental championships will form Team America, and we will initiate an intercontinental competition known as the IBA World Cup,” Kremlev was quoted as saying on the IBA website.
Last year, Tashkent hosted the men’s world boxing championship, while the women’s event was held in New Delhi. However, the International Olympic Committee’s executive board previously recommended that the organization withdraw its recognition of the IBA. This came after IBA failed to meet the conditions for reinstatement previously set out. This decision was confirmed on June 22 by a majority vote.
EUBC Cup Champions Crowned in Budva
On October 14, the historic Old Town of Budva witnessed the thrilling final bouts of the EUBC Cup in front of the renowned walls of St. Mary’s Fortress. Victorious boxers hailed from countries like Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Moldova, Poland, Russia, and Serbia.
In addition to their medals, tournament winners and medalists were awarded prize money certificates, with champions receiving $15,000, runners-up $10,000, and bronze medalists getting $5,000.
Notably, three-time world champion Sofiane Oumiha from France defended his crown in a nail-biting face-off against the budding Bulgarian Radoslav Rosenov. They are set for a rematch on October 18 at the IBA Champions’ Night in Paris.
Marko Milun of Croatia displayed an impeccable performance against Bulgaria’s Yordan Hernandez Morejon in the super heavyweight category, securing his victory in an enthralling fight. Representing Serbia, Vladimir Mironchikov exhibited his dominance against Slovakia’s Andrej Csemez, emerging victorious at the end.
Sadly, injuries from the semifinals kept Gianluigi Malanga and Aziz Abbes Mouhiidine of Italy, along with Sergio Martinez of Spain, from the ring that night. Consequently, Alexandru Paraschiv (Moldova), Narek Manasyan (Armenia), and Damian Durkacz (Poland) were declared the winners by walkover.
Leading the medal tally was the Russian national team with a total of 8 medals. Boxers Bair Batlaev (51 kg), Dzhambulat Bizhamov (75 kg), Gabil Mamedov (63.5 kg), and Maksim Kuznetsov (54 kg) secured gold medals for Russia in Budva.