Tyson Fury: “I haven’t got an IBA PRO belt”
Tyson Fury along with a host of the biggest names from across the sport descended on Istanbul, Türkiye for a special presentation on behalf of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
IBA President, Umar Kremlev, joined on stage by pound-for-pound superstar Terence Crawford and heavyweight icon Tyson Fury, laid out his upcoming plans for ‘The Golden Era’ of the globally-renowned organisation, unveiling his intention to build a powerful ecosystem to support fighters from all backgrounds in the amateur, professional and bareknuckle field.
“I’m thrilled to welcome so many champions to this event for the development of boxing,” said Kremlev, at the star-studded gathering.
“Our goal is to ensure every boxer knows that IBA is their boxing home. Wherever the boxer is in the world, the IBA will support them. This our main goal. We also understand that is our duty to create opportunities for children, who will gain a social lift from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families.
“We are now creating an ecosystem that includes amateur boxing, professional boxing and bareknuckle boxing. Why bareknuckle boxing? That is where it began. It’s the history of boxing. We, as IBA, want to regulate bareknuckle boxing and help to create opportunities for the fighters.”
With the conference taking place just hours before the highly-anticipated WBA Interim/IBA Pro title contest between Albert Batyrgaziev and Liverpool’s James ‘Jazza’ Dickens, live on DAZN, the topic of professional boxing — and IBA’s rapid-growing ‘IBA Pro’ competition — also took centre stage.
The competition, which features some of the world’s finest amateur boxers as well as established professionals from across the globe, seeks to pit top tier opposition against one another in a series of action-packed, highly-competitive match-ups.
“The IBA has become an incredible home for me to express our unique vision,” said Al Siesta, CEO of IBA Pro.
“This is like Real Madrid — you go through the amateur ranks, you earn your stripes and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you. When it comes to the governing bodies, we are open for collaboration. This is not a competition, we want to welcome them and work with everyone. As time goes by, we will develop our ratings system which will be formed based purely on your ability. If you can fight, then IBA is the place for you.”
Among the gathering of stars was four-weight world champion Terence Crawford who, just two months out from his mega-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, took time out from his busy schedule to attend the conference in support of IBA and its leader, Umar Kremlev.
“It’s great, what IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing,” said the American boxing legend.
“There are a lot of talented kids out there that don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments because they can’t afford it, or they don’t have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance.”
Ahead of his bout with ‘Canelo’ in September, Crawford insisted he is fully-prepared for the task at hand, even managing to fit in a workout ahead of the glitzy event.
“I feel great, I’ve been working hard. I just finished running before the press conference. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to becoming a three-weight undisputed champion on September 13th.”
Former lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, also in attendance, credited both Crawford and Alvarez for their blockbuster showdown, heaping praise on the pair for continuing to keep boxing in the limelight.
“I think it’s a fantastic fight for boxing,” stated Fury.
“It’s two of the biggest names in boxing coming together. Two men, pride on the line and everything to fight for. They’re two proud champions and I wish them all the best. They’re going to go in there, do their best, entertain the public and provide for their families — and that’s what it’s all about.”
Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) amateur banner, gave a passionate speech about the importance of investment into the grass roots, praising Kremlev and the IBA for their staunch commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.
“Big shoutout to Umar Kremlev for bringing me over here.
“I’ve travelled the world with boxing, but we travel for money. We fight for the biggest purse — and the investment Umar is putting into amateur boxing is amazing. When I was an amateur, I didn’t get paid anything. I had no support. Now you’ve got all of these talented youngsters coming through and Umar is supporting them, it’s fantastic.”
With ‘The Gypsy King’ still teasing a potential return to the ring after his latest retirement, it was left to popular heavyweight Derek Chisora to play the role of matchmaker as he asked Fury about a potential bout with British rival Anthony Joshua for the IBA Pro Heavyweight title.
“Of course. 100%.” Fury confirmed.
“Show me the money, Umar [Kremlev]! I haven’t got an IBA PRO belt, but I’m available — I’m young, free, single and ready to mingle!”