The president of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, signed an agreement with Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association (IBA) this Saturday morning during his visit to Mexico City.

The pioneer organization will cooperate with the amateur governing body at the world level after reaching an agreement within the framework of the “One Boxing” project, one of the flagships of Mendoza’s management since he assumed the leadership of the WBA in 2015.

“This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that Boxing is One and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Gilberto Jesús Mendoza said during his meeting with Kremlev. 

Both leaders signed the agreement with 10 key points that seeks to promote amateur boxing and the integration of both branches for the systematic development of the sport. 

“Within IBA, we are building a Global home of boxing. The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing as a sport, our goal is to build the bridge between the two organizations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide,” IBA President said.

Among the most important points is the development of the WBA Academy, which through integration with the IBA will manage and organize different events. The agreement also includes cooperation in the development of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing through specific programs. 

On the other hand, a strategy will be studied to implement the World Boxing Tour program, in which the WBA will provide advice to the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking.

Another important element will be the mutual cooperation on protocols and medical issues for the safety and health of the fighters. In the development aspect, training camps for officials will also be promoted and their training and constant updating will be sought. 

A WBA/IBA development program for trainers will also be implemented and an analysis of the regulations will be sought to update technical rules in official competitions. 

We will work together on marketing strategies for events and other aspects that seek to mutually nurture both organizations and provide benefits to boxing worldwide.