On 2 December, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium hosted a breathtaking Opening Ceremony for the 2025 IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships — an evening of power, pride and international celebration that brought together sport, culture and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.
With the city’s skyline illuminated behind them and aligning with UAE National Day, spectators welcomed the launch of the IBA’s first-ever Festival of Boxing, running until 13 December.
Under dazzling light shows, pyrotechnics and flawless staging, the night marked a defining milestone for Dubai’s global sporting reputation and the dawn of a reinvigorated era for world boxing.
The headline act of the night, Rick Ross, electrified the stadium with a charged performance of his biggest hits. His signature energy and presence ignited the audience and set the tone for a fusion of sport and spectacle.
Ross’ performance, supported by a wealth of international stars, helped establish the Championships as the most entertainment-focused amateur boxing event ever staged.
Russian mega-star Egor Kreed delivered a high-intensity showcase, while UAE favourite Kris Fade brought a burst of local spirit with a vibrant, crowd-pleasing set.
Italian singer Benedetta Caretta stunned the venue with her powerful renditions, including “My heart will go on”, before boxing icon Roy Jones Jr. delivered live performances of his famous tracks ‘Can’t Be Touched’ and ‘Y’all Must’ve Forgot’.
The diversity and scale of the programme reflected the global community of athletes — more than 118 nations — who were formally welcomed during the ceremony.
The evening also aligned with the UAE’s National Day celebrations, honouring the Emirates’ unity and ongoing ascent as a sporting and cultural hub.
A dedicated performance celebrating Emirati culture highlighted the nation’s rich traditions and reinforced its ambition to lead on the world sporting stage.
IBA President Umar Kremlev addressed the audience with a message of unity and pride: “This year the celebration of boxing is taking place here, in a magnificent city of Dubai. I am happy to see everyone — the boxers, the coaches, and every National Federation present here starting together the great Boxing Festival. I congratulate everyone on this historical occasion.”
He continued with encouragement for the athletes: “I wish you all success in the ring — show the world the best of you! Remember: the IBA if your Home of Boxing, we exist because of our athletes and coaches. I am proud that today I stand beside athletes from more than 100 countries — we are all different, yet united by our love for the sport we value.”
A deeply emotional moment came from Rasheda Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, who shared the stage with her son Nico Ali Walsh: “I am proud that Mr. Umar Kremlev and the IBA are carrying forward my father Muhammad Ali’s legacy. My father believed in courage, respect and giving athletes a fair chance – and tonight, I see that spirit alive in Dubai.”
With a record-breaking prize fund of $8.32 million, the Championships are officially the most lucrative amateur boxing event ever staged.
In the days ahead, fighters from around the globe will compete for titles, dreams and historic achievements.
The Opening Ceremony’s masterful blend of athleticism, culture and world-class entertainment cemented Dubai’s status as a global leader in major event hosting.
As focus turns to the battles inside the ring, one thing is clear: the IBA has reimagined what a boxing championship can be — and the world is watching closely.
