International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev expressed confidence in the future of boxing in China during an interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Shen Xiang in Beijing, highlighting the country's growing influence in the sport and the potential for deeper China-Russia cooperation through international sporting events.
Kremlev was part of the Russian delegation accompanying President Vladimir Putin on his visit to China. During his stay in Beijing, the IBA chief discussed plans to expand boxing events and development programs across the country, including in Macao SAR, Hong Kong SAR, Shanghai and Beijing.
"First of all, I would like to say that my visit to China feels like coming home – to my brothers and sisters," Kremlev said. "China is like a home country to me, and I want to emphasize that it has great potential to host major international tournaments, while also offering significant opportunities for Chinese athletes."
Kremlev revealed that the IBA is exploring the possibility of bringing World Championships and professional boxing events to China in the future, while also strengthening cooperation in sports management and athlete development.
"There are excellent conditions here for holding international competitions," he noted. "That is why we are here – to hold international events in China and to give Chinese athletes more opportunities to compete on the global stage."
The IBA president also praised the progress Chinese boxing has made over the past decade, pointing to former Olympic champion Zou Shiming as a key figure in raising the country's profile in the sport internationally.
"Around ten years ago, a two-time Olympic champion Zou Shiming proved to the whole world that China is truly a boxing nation," Kremlev said. "Today, boxing is developing actively in both amateur and professional directions."
According to Kremlev, the next stage of cooperation will focus not only on competitions, but also on long-term development through training and education.
"At the IBA Boxing Gym facilities, we plan to organize advanced training for coaches, development programs for athletes, and education in sports management – all aimed at further developing boxing," he explained.
Kremlev also emphasized the broader significance of sports cooperation between China and Russia, saying such exchanges contribute to global development and stability.
"This contributes to development on a global scale," he said. "Every meeting between the two national leaders helps preserve global balance."
The IBA president concluded by encouraging young Chinese boxers to remain determined in pursuing their dreams, describing boxing as both a path toward personal growth and a platform for international recognition.
"Boxing is a tool for upward mobility as it gives athletes the opportunity to secure their future," Kremlev said. "I wish them success and encourage them never to give up – this is the most important thing both in boxing and in life."