IBA launches elite pathway to connect amateur boxing with the professional ranks

Wednesday 02 September 2026 - 17:43

By: Azzat Manal

IBA launches elite pathway to connect amateur boxing with the professional ranks

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has announced the launch of IBA ELITE, a new initiative designed to strengthen the global boxing system and create a structured pathway for athletes seeking to move from amateur competition into the professional ranks.

The project follows the success of International Boxing Day activities in Kazakhstan and is expected to enter its first competitive phase alongside the IBA Congress scheduled for December. The initiative is intended to expand opportunities for elite amateur boxers while providing national federations with a more clearly defined competition structure.

The opening stage will feature the inaugural President’s Cup, which will serve as the first tournament in the IBA ELITE series. The event will bring together a selection of leading male boxers through an invitation-based format, giving athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level within the new framework.

According to the IBA, the initiative is designed to strengthen its role in amateur boxing while developing a more integrated sporting system for athletes at different stages of their careers. The organization also aims to provide its member national federations with a new competitive model that can support athlete development and international progression.

A key element of IBA ELITE will be a unified ranking system. The structure is expected to give boxers greater clarity about their competitive progression, allowing them to build their careers through a more organized sequence of events and rankings.

The initiative comes as international boxing organizations continue to explore ways of improving opportunities for athletes and creating stronger links between amateur and professional competition. For boxers, a transparent competitive pathway can provide greater visibility, more consistent high-level competition and clearer opportunities to advance their careers.

The IBA said it will release additional information and updates on IBA ELITE on a weekly basis as the launch of the first events approaches. Further announcements are expected to provide more details about the competition format, participating athletes and the long-term structure of the series.

With IBA ELITE, the organization is seeking to establish a broader platform for elite amateur boxing while offering athletes a clearer route toward the professional stage.