Start and Draw of the IBA 2025 World Boxing Championships Postponed

The organizers of the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships have postponed the start of the competition by one day. Instead of December 3, the tournament will now begin on December 4 due to delays in issuing visas for athletes from Kyrgyzstan. The official draw has also been moved and will take place on December 3.

Grand Opening on the UAE National Union Day

On December 2, Dubai hosted a spectacular opening ceremony for the 23rd edition of the World Boxing Championships. The date coincided with the UAE National Day, marking the founding of the state in 1971.

During the ceremony, the IBA announced the beginning of a "Golden Era of Boxing," with the symbols of the event being Muhammad Ali’s daughter and his grandson, Nico Ali Walsh.

The opening ceremony in Dubai was held on an exceptionally large scale, featuring numerous stars and matching the level of the Olympic Games.

Armenia at the World Championships: Davit Chaloyan Carries the Flag

Team Armenia is represented by a full roster of 13 athletes. The national delegation’s flagbearer was team captain and 2021 World Championships medalist Davit Chaloyan.

He emphasized that he approaches this tournament with maximum focus:

“After the 2021 silver, I understood the true value of experience. This time, we did serious work on strategy, opponent analysis, and psychological preparation. I no longer want to just participate — I want to win.”

Armenia’s Lineup at the 2025 World Championships

• 48 kg – Baregam Harutyunyan
• 51 kg – Rudolf Garboyan
• 54 kg – David Egoryan
• 57 kg – Jirair Sargsyan
• 60 kg – Artur Bazeyan
• 63.5 kg – Narek Hovhannisyan
• 67 kg – Armen Mashkaryan
• 71 kg – Ararat Harutyunyan
• 75 kg – Vakhtang Harutyunyan
• 80 kg – Artush Hovhannisyan
• 86 kg – Rafael Hovhannisyan
• 92 kg – Narek Manasyan
• +92 kg – Davit Chaloyan

Record Prize Fund — 8 Million Dollars

The organizers announced the largest prize fund in the history of IBA World Championships: $8,000,000.

Prize distribution:

• World Champion — $300,000

• Silver Medalist — $150,000

• Bronze Medalist — $75,000

• 5th place — $10,000

Allocation:

• 50% — athlete

• 25% — coach

• 25% — national federation

IBA President Umar Kremlev stressed that revenues from TV rights and commercial agreements are being directed toward the development of boxing. He also announced plans to increase the prize fund to $10 million by 2027 and to hold a Team World Cup in 2026 with the same prize budget.

Where to Watch the IBA 2025 World Boxing Championships

All bouts will be streamed live on the official IBA YouTube channel. Broadcasts are free and accessible worldwide.

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