Boxers offered huge $8million prize pot in revamped tournament

The International Boxing Association (IBA) will stage an historic two-week 'Festival of Boxing' in Dubai - with a jaw-dropping $8million (£6m) prize pool.

Scheduled to take place from December 2 to December 13 at Dubai’s National Tennis Stadium, the IBA men's Elite World Championships showcase will host the world's elite level talent - all looking to capture the top prize. Each winner will receive $300,000 and is set to be the richest competition in the sport's history.

Second place from each category will pocket $150,000, while third place will earn $75,000. For those finishing fifth in each weight category will take home $10,000. The IBA confirmed a cash split - with 50 per cent going to the boxer, 25 per cent to the coaches and 25 per cent to the National Federation.

“This World Championships is not just about records and prize money - it is about giving every boxer, every coach and every National Federation the respect and reward they deserve, ” said President Umar Kremlev - who continues to commit to investing in grassroots boxing.

Kremlev added: “Dubai will become the capital of boxing this December, where athletes from every corner of the globe will compete on equal terms, under their own flags, and with a chance to change their lives. The IBA exists to protect boxers, to create opportunities and to ensure that the sport remains a force for unity and fairness. The Festival of Boxing will be remembered as the moment when our sport reached a new level.”

Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General & CEO of IBA, said: "The IBA Men's Elite World Championships in Dubai this December will be more than a competition, it will be a celebration of boxing in all its forms. Coupled with the IBA Global Boxing Forum, a top-class IBA Pro Event and the IBA Congress, this gathering represents the full spectrum of our sport. IBA is not just an organisation; it is a philosophy. A global movement that champions excellence, innovation, and unity in boxing."

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Kremlev remains committed to creating a platform to help boxers transition between the amateur and professional circuits. That said, he also clearly has a desire to put on spectacular events after he invited Tyson Fury to compete for the IBA heavyweight championship back in July.

Fury was welcomed by Kremlev earlier this year with the two boxing powerhouses discussing future plans for the Brit. "We are happy to see you here, supporting and promoting boxing," Kremlev told the former unified heavyweight king. Fury replied: "It’s a big event. When you see all of these fighters and special people, it attracts a lot of eyes to boxing — and boxing brings people together."

The IBA chief then took the opportunity to make an audacious bid to have the 'Gypsy King' see out his career on an IBA show - with a bout for the IBA heavyweight title on the cards. "We would love to make a professional fight for you [Fury] — a farewell bout, as the king of boxing. One final, beautiful fight to say farewell. You started your career with the IBA, so you have to complete your career with IBA!"

When is the next boxing event?

Dave Allen is set to return to the ring on Saturday night when he takes on Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield. Coverage is expected to get underway at around 6pm UK time (1pm ET / 10am PT / 12pm CT). In the main event, Makhmudov will make the walk to the ring first at around 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Allen set to follow immediately after.

The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete. All of the action is set to be shown live on DAZN. The popular streaming platform can be found as an additional subscription on TVs. It can also be streamed live on the official website or the downloadable app. A DAZN subscription is £119.99 or £14.99 per month, or £24.99 on a flexible commitment that can be cancelled at any point.