Keep punching: IBA’s global feeder system offers hope for rising South African boxing talent

YOUNG South African fighters, and fighters all over the continent, dreaming of making it big in the boxing world received a major boost this month, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) reaffirming its commitment to developing both amateur and professional athletes – and opening new doors for those rising through grassroots clubs.

“Future IBA.Pro competitions will continue to feature some of the world’s most established professional boxers and will also include amateur match-ups, in line with the feeder-system design that the IBA aims to grow,” said Al Siesta, director of IBA.Pro.

It’s the kind of vision that will resonate with boxers training in gym halls from Kimberley to Cairo, where the hunger to break through remains undimmed. And with regional platforms like the Diamond Fight League in Kimberley gaining momentum, the timing couldn’t be better.

IOL Sport’s Julian Kiewietz reported that, speaking at a high-level IBA press conference in Istanbul, IBA president Umar Kremlev spoke glowingly about South African boxing and outlined plans to bring more international events to African soil.

“We have already conducted the Mandela Cup there in South Africa, and we also plan on hosting an IBA.Pro Night of Champions in South Africa,” Kremlev said. “We love South Africa very much, the African continent in general is a special continent from which we have decent boxers, and a lot of events will be happening in Africa.”

This renewed focus on Africa, and South Africa in particular, comes at a time when the IBA is working to rebuild its image following its 2024 suspension by the International Olympic Committee due to governance concerns. Now, the organisation is reintroducing itself as a home for all fighters – amateur and professional – and pledging real financial and structural support.

“Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that IBA is their boxing home. We must create opportunities for children who will gain positive development from the sport. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families,” said Kremlev.

Top American boxer Terence Crawford also praised the IBA’s direction: “It’s great what IBA is doing for amateur and professional boxing. There are a lot of talented kids out there who don’t have the finances to go to certain tournaments … IBA has committed to supporting those people and giving them a fighting chance.”

That’s the kind of message that would be welcome news for organisers and athletes behind Kimberley’s fast-growing Diamond Fight League, which has now staged two successful events and is heading to Upington on July 26 for its third edition.

With tightly matched bouts, professional-level production, and sold-out venues, events like Diamond Fight League No.2 at the Flamingo Casino have shown that the Northern Cape has both the passion and the raw talent to rise. 

Beyond the fights, these events are part of a broader vision to empower youth, foster discipline, and promote alternatives to violence. 

“From the start, our goal has been to bring combat sports to every corner of the Northern Cape – not just to entertain, but to empower,” said Rusty Gloves co-founder Russell Bindeman.

With fighters training weekly at the Boys' High Pavilion Hall and more shows planned for the year, local boxing's flame is being kept alive – and now, with IBA’s global ecosystem offering a structured path forward, that flame could become a beacon.

For young fighters, the message is clear: stay in the gym, stay ready, and stay hopeful. Boxing’s door might just swing open wider than ever before.