UAE to Host World’s Richest Boxing Championship in 2025
<p>Dubai is set to become the global hub of elite boxing as the United Arab Emirates prepares to host the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships this December. Scheduled to take place from December 2 to 13 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, the championship will headline a spectacular two-week Festival of Boxing and bring together the best fighters from around the world.</p><p>Organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the tournament is expected to be the most lucrative event in the sport’s history. With an unprecedented prize pool of $8 million, the championships aim to redefine how excellence in boxing is rewarded at the global level. Each weight category winner will receive a staggering $300,000, making it the richest payout ever seen in amateur elite boxing.</p><p>The landmark prize pool reflects IBA’s long-term vision for the sport and its commitment to financially supporting athletes, coaches, and national federations. Unlike traditional tournaments that primarily reward athletes alone, the IBA has adopted a shared-reward model to recognise the collective effort behind every successful boxer.</p><p>Under the prize structure, 50 per cent of the winnings will go directly to the boxer, while 25 per cent will be allocated to coaches and the remaining 25 per cent to the respective National Federation. This approach not only rewards athletic performance but also acknowledges the vital role of training systems, mentorship, and organisational support in shaping champions.</p><p>The prize distribution for each weight category has been clearly defined. First-place winners will receive $300,000, while second place will take home $150,000. Third-place finishers will be awarded $75,000, and boxers finishing fifth will still receive $10,000. This depth of rewards ensures that a wide range of competitors benefit from the tournament, reinforcing boxing as a viable professional pathway.</p><p>Speaking about the significance of the event, IBA President Umar Kremlev stressed that the championships are about more than just financial records. He said the event is designed to give every participant—from boxers to coaches to federations—the respect and recognition they deserve.</p><p>According to him, Dubai will emerge as the world capital of boxing during the championship window, welcoming athletes from every corner of the globe to compete under their national flags on equal terms. The tournament, he added, represents IBA’s mission to protect boxers, create genuine opportunities, and ensure the sport continues to stand for unity, fairness, and integrity.</p><p>The choice of the UAE as host further strengthens the country’s growing reputation as a global destination for major international sporting events. Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, experience in staging large-scale tournaments, and strong logistical capabilities make it an ideal venue for an event of this magnitude. The Dubai Tennis Stadium is expected to be transformed into a boxing arena capable of delivering a world-class experience for athletes, officials, and fans alike.</p><p>Beyond the championships themselves, the Festival of Boxing promises a packed programme that celebrates the sport in all its forms. Alongside the Men’s Elite World Championships, the event calendar will include the IBA Global Boxing Forum, a top-tier IBA Pro Event, and the IBA Congress. Together, these gatherings will bring athletes, officials, administrators, and stakeholders under one roof, representing the full ecosystem of international boxing.</p><p>The IBA, with a legacy spanning more than 75 years, has played a central role in nurturing some of the greatest boxers in history. As the governing body for elite-level amateur boxing, it has consistently focused on talent development, from grassroots programs to the highest levels of international competition. The 2025 championships are expected to continue this tradition by providing a stage where emerging talents and established stars can compete side by side.</p><p>Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General and CEO of IBA, described the Dubai championships as more than a sporting contest. He noted that the event would be a true celebration of boxing, uniting nations through skill, discipline, and fair competition. He also highlighted that IBA is not just an organisation, but a global movement dedicated to excellence, innovation, and unity in the sport.</p><p>For the UAE, hosting the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships represents another major milestone in its sporting journey. For boxers around the world, it offers a rare opportunity—not only to compete for world titles, but also to potentially change their lives through unprecedented financial rewards. As December 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Dubai as it prepares to welcome the world’s boxing elite for a festival that promises to redefine the sport on the global stage.</p>