Slew of new projects set to spur a 'golden era'

With a group of A-list stars singing the praises of its ambition, the International Boxing Association has pledged to usher in a golden era of innovative new projects, despite its sour relationship with the International Olympic Committee.

Trying to reestablish its prestige as the sport's chief steward, the IBA launched its "Golden Era "development programs, including an esports initiative, a brand-new bare-knuckle league and the IBA Gym project, at a grand ceremony in Istanbul last week, aiming to extend the association's presence at both the amateur and professional levels.

"We are now creating an ecosystem that includes amateur boxing, professional boxing and bare-knuckle boxing," said IBA president Umar Kremlev of Russia.

"Why bare-knuckle boxing? That is where it began. It's the history of boxing. We, as the IBA, want to regulate bare-knuckle boxing and help to create opportunities for the fighters."

The IBA.Pro, the association's new professional arm — separated from its continental and world championships system — made a strong impression on Wednesday with seven bouts, including two bare-knuckle fights, providing an adrenaline-fueled show for spectators at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul.

In the card's main event, British underdog James Dickens delivered a huge upset on the IBA.Pro 7 Champions Night after he knocked out defending WBA interim and IBA Pro super-featherweight world titleholder Albert Batyrgaziev of Russia in the fourth round to snatch up the belt.

Among the guests and celebrities attending the event in the Turkish capital were former unified world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of Britain, American boxing legend Roy Jones Jr, his compatriot and multiple world titleholder Terence Crawford.

By motivating boxers with sizeable prize money, as well as providing a support system for its athletes, the IBA is ensuring no stone is left unturned in its quest to bring through the next generation of superstars to the world's boxing rings.

With only two months before his super-middleweight unification bout against Canelo Alvarez, four-division world champion Crawford took time away from his busy schedule to support the IBA initiatives in Istanbul.

"It's great, what the IBA are doing for amateur and professional boxing," said Crawford, who beat Uzbekistan's Israil Madrimov in August to add the WBA super welterweight title to his collection of welterweight, super lightweight and lightweight belts.

"There are a lot of talented kids out there that don't have the finances to go to certain tournaments, or they don't have the right boxing equipment. IBA has committed to supporting those people and gives them a fighting chance."

Retired heavyweight icon Fury, who began his career as an amateur under the AIBA (later IBA) banner, heaped praise on the organization's investment at the grassroots level and its commitment to bringing through the next generation of boxers.

"Big shout-out to Umar (Kremlev) for bringing me over here to be part of this day," said Fury, who has yet to return to the ring after his split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December.

"When I was an amateur, I didn't get paid anything. I had no support. Now, you've got all 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, the emerging stage of IBA.Pro has presented a lucrative platform for Fury's comeback in an all-British blockbuster against Anthony Joshua for the IBA.Pro heavyweight title.

"Of course. One hundred percent," Fury said in response to a question regarding his return in an IBA.Pro bout.

"Show me the money, Umar! I haven't got an IBA.Pro belt, but I'm available — I'm young, free, single and ready to mingle!"