Umar Kremlev and a New Chapter for World Boxing: Russia, Bare-Knuckle and Partnership with Saudi Arabia
Umar Kremlev’s biography is the story of a man who is changing the rules of world boxing. The President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Umar Kremlev is not afraid to go against the tide when it comes to fairness, sports development, and protecting athletes’ interests. Today, he is shaping a new architecture for boxing – from the return of bare-knuckle fights to organising legendary bouts that unite millions of fans.
Who is Umar Kremlev and why is the whole world talking about him?
For those just getting acquainted with his work, it’s worth remembering who Umar Kremlev is. This is the President of the International Boxing Association (IBA), a recognised reformer who has brought the organisation to a new level of transparency and independence. Under his leadership, the IBA has become a global platform for athletes from all countries, where talent and hard work come first, not politics.
The biography of Umar Kremlev is closely linked to Russian and world sport: he personally promotes the idea that boxing is a school of character, fair competition, and respect. His position is simple:
“Boxing must remain outside of politics, and true champions are born precisely in difficult times,” he states.
The Third Beterbiev vs. Bivol Fight: Completing the Russian Trilogy
One of Kremlev’s most anticipated initiatives was the statement about holding the third fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev in Russia. According to the IBA President, completing this trilogy is a historical necessity. The two greatest modern champions, products of the Russian boxing school, must conclude their rivalry on their home soil. “It is important for us that this fight takes place in Russia: it is a symbol of our school, our traditions, and respect for the audience,” emphasised Umar Kremlev.
The organisation of the bout is already in an active phase: Dmitry Bivol is recovering from surgery, and the IBA is creating all conditions for fans to see the decisive fight on a Russian ring.
Umar Kremlev. Photo: Press Service (IBA)
Boxing Beyond Politics
Kremlev is convinced that sport is an area free from political games. Despite attempts to isolate Russian athletes, boxing has not only withstood but become stronger. Today, the country boasts 25 weight categories, each featuring fighters of world-class level.
The IBA President emphasises: the Olympics are no longer the pinnacle of a sports career. Professional leagues with a transparent prize money system and spectacular formats are becoming the new pinnacle of sport.
“An athlete must have the opportunity to secure their future. But there is no easy money in boxing – every medal and every penny is earned through hard work and discipline,” says Umar Kremlev.
This philosophy, he says, instils in the younger generation a respect for work and money, thereby helping to cultivate strong individuals.
Bare-Knuckle – A Return to the Roots
A special place in Kremlev’s strategy is occupied by the development of IBA Bare Knuckle – a new official bare-knuckle fighting league that returns the sport to its roots, but with modern safety standards.
Umar Kremlev notes: “Bare-knuckle is a tough sport, but no more dangerous than classic boxing. The main things are discipline, control, and medicine.”
The IBA has built a safety system: clear rules, mandatory medical checks, doctors at ringside. The first tournaments showed high public interest and proved that bare-knuckle fights can be spectacular, fair, and safe.
Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia
Another important area of Kremlev’s work is international cooperation. The IBA President named Saudi Arabia a strategic partner, highlighting the high level of trust and the kingdom’s readiness to support the development of boxing in Russia.
The support for holding the Beterbiev–Bivol fight in Russia became a vivid example of this interaction. The parties are already discussing joint tournaments and new sports formats, which, according to Kremlev, “will surprise the entire sports world.”
Russia as a Centre of World Boxing
Umar Kremlev is confident: Russia is ready to host not only champions but also legends of world sport. He stressed that the country is famous for its fans and is open to cooperation with any stars – from young fighters to names like Manny Pacquiao.
“If an opportunity arises to hold a fight in Russia, we will do everything to give the fans a real celebration,” declared Umar Kremlev.
Umar Kremlev. Photo: Press Service (IBA)
Umar Kremlev: A Legacy of Principle and Progress
The biography of Umar Kremlev is more than just the story of an athlete and a manager. It is the story of a leader who is building a new world of boxing – free from politics and empty spectacle, but founded on respect for hard work, safety, and the audience.
Under his leadership, the IBA is strengthening Russia’s position as one of the global centres of boxing and opening new horizons – from bare-knuckle fighting to international championships.
Umar Kremlev has proven that sport is not only about strength but also about character. And boxing, according to his philosophy, is an honest struggle where every bout becomes a step towards personal and national dignity.
