The 2025 IBA Boxing World Championship is officially underway in Dubai, where more than 400 elite fighters from over 100 nations are set to compete for one of the biggest prize pools in amateur boxing history. Hosted at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, this year’s edition forms part of a wider “Festival of Boxing” taking place across the city.
How the Tournament Works
The event runs across nearly two weeks, with preliminary rounds beginning at the start of December and building toward the finals on Saturday, December 13. Athletes across 13 men’s weight divisions will battle through the early stages, quarter-finals, and semi-finals to secure a place on championship night.
Each weight class will ultimately crown one world champion, with two bronze-medal positions also awarded as both losing semi-finalists share third place.
Record Prize Pot
This year’s championship features an unprecedented $8.32 million prize pool, the largest ever offered in an amateur boxing competition.
For each weight category:
- Gold Medalist: $300,000
- Silver Medalist: $150,000
- Bronze Medalists (Joint 3rd): $75,000 each
- 5th Place Finishers: $10,000 each
In addition, the IBA has introduced a structured payout model designed to reward the wider support network behind every athlete. The prize money is split 50% to the boxer, 25% to their coach, and 25% to their national federation, recognising the collaborative effort required to reach world-level success.
How to Watch
Fans can follow every punch, combination, and knockout live online. All bouts are streamed for free on the official IBA Boxing YouTube channel, making the action accessible to a global audience.
Star Fighters to Watch
This year’s championship brings together some of the most decorated amateur boxers in the world. Among the standout names:
- Hasanboy Dusmatov – two-time Olympic champion known for his speed and technical precision.
- Julio La Cruz – another two-time Olympic gold medallist, famed for his defensive mastery and ring IQ.
With more than 400 fighters registered, the tournament promises a deep field of emerging talents, past champions, and rising stars from every region.
