IBA and WBA Leaders Plan New Collaborations for Global Boxing Development

During a boxing event in Madrid, Spain, IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE met with Gilberto Mendoza, President of the World Boxing Association (WBA), to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between the two organizations. The event featured Spain’s Jennifer Miranda securing a victory over compatriot Victoria Albans to claim the WBA Interim Featherweight title.

As part of their ongoing partnership, Roberts and Mendoza explored future initiatives, including the expanded development of technical officials, referees, judges, and coaches. Recent joint efforts between IBA and WBA have already set a strong foundation, with training courses for coaches and officials having taken place over the past few months.

The IBA Champion’s Night has showcased the high-level events both organizations are now delivering, with several boxers already earning WBA titles through combined bouts. Notable champions include Cuba’s Lenar Perez, Venezuela’s Albert Ramirez, Russia’s Albert Batyrgaziev, Muslim Gadzhimagomedov, and Artur Subkhankulov.

Looking ahead, a significant moment is expected in December when a unified IBA-WBA title fight will be held during the Dubai IBA Congress. The highly anticipated bout will feature Cuba’s Julio La Cruz and Russia’s Muslim Gadzhimagomedov.

Additionally, the Congress in Dubai will see the re-launch of IBA’s league project, based on the World Series of Boxing (WSB). This initiative will offer WBA boxers the opportunity to participate in IBA’s revamped league format.

Gilberto Mendoza expressed his continued support for IBA and shared his enthusiasm for the new league events planned for 2025. Chris Roberts OBE thanked Mendoza for his steadfast support and highlighted how the combined expertise of both organizations would deliver a fresh experience for boxing fans worldwide in the coming year.

Mendoza noted that the collaboration between the WBA and IBA was strengthening the sport, adding that increased activity for boxers and the success of their joint training courses were key outcomes of the partnership. He expressed confidence that a WBA-IBA officials’ seminar would soon take place, aimed at enhancing the skills of referees and judges. He emphasized that by working together, the organizations would continue to make significant contributions to the sport of boxing.

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