IBA President Umar Kremlev met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and agreed to the organisation of a sporting event that would showcase some of the country’s young talent.
The IBA also pledged to support the grassroots of national boxing by improving facilities and providing equipment to facilitate training.
The International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Government of Zimbabwe met and shared their intentions and hopes for the near future, with boxing as the unifying element. IBA President Umar Kremlev met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. It was agreed that one of the Champions Nights would be held in the country. This will undoubtedly be a historic event for boxing in Zimbabwe.
The meeting focused on unifying efforts to implement various strategies to promote the growth of boxing in the country. President Kremlev expressed his excitement at the mutual cooperation, saying, “We are witnessing the beginning of a new era for boxing in Zimbabwe. Our cooperation is more than just sport; it’s a symbol of unity and strength. The IBA Champions’ Night will not only be a showcase of the potential of local boxers, but also a unifier of the global boxing community.” President Mnangagwa pledged to “give boxing the support it needs”.
Giving opportunities to young boxers who see boxing as a viable way of life is the common denominator of these alliances. The IBA has initiated them in several countries. Organising in-country events is one way of fostering a spirit of international cooperation.
A way of instilling confidence in the boxers and their communities is the IBA President’s pledge to support grassroots development in Zimbabwe. IBA President Umar Kremlev visited Prince Edward High School in Harare where he met with young boxers and students, distributed gloves and proposed support for training camps.
Kremlev’s visit to Zimbabwe is one of many the President has undertaken to understand and address the needs of countries where boxing offers growth opportunities. Kremlev also met with the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, prior to his visit to Zimbabwe. There, he learned first-hand about the needs of a country that will be represented by three boxers at the upcoming Olympic Games.
The sport is a beacon for young people. The meeting with the Nigerian President resulted in plans to organise a tournament in August and to support the refurbishment of gyms across the country to develop the talent of young boxers. Most of the effort will be focused on Lagos, one of the cities where boxing is a major sport.
