IBA Secretary General & CEO, Chris Roberts OBE: Regulation is how IBA pave the way forward for Bare-Knuckle Boxing
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 17 Jul 2026
Lausanne, Switzerland — As we look ahead to July 18, the eyes of the combat sports world will be on Miami for a historic milestone: the debut of IBA Bare Knuckle in the United States. Bare-knuckle boxing itself is not new; it is one of the oldest forms of organised combat sport, deeply rooted in history and tradition. What is new, however, is the opportunity — and the responsibility — to bring this discipline into a modern, regulated sporting environment.
For generations, bare-knuckle fighting existed in the margins. It carried an image shaped not by structure or governance, but by inconsistency, fragmentation, and, at times, a lack of accountability. That perception, whether fair or not, has limited its ability to be recognised as a legitimate professional sport.
Today, we are at a turning point.
The resurgence of global interest in bare-knuckle boxing reflects something important: there is a clear demand for authenticity in combat sport. Audiences are drawn to its raw, historical essence. Athletes see an opportunity to compete in a format that connects directly to the origins of boxing itself.
But interest alone is not enough. Growth without structure is not progress, it is risk.
That is why regulation is not optional. It is essential.
At the International Boxing Association, we have taken a deliberate and structured approach to the development of bare-knuckle boxing. Our objective is not simply to revive the sport, but to reshape it, to build a framework that ensures safety, consistency, and long-term sustainability.
This begins with governance.
A sport cannot operate credibly on the global stage without clear rules, defined standards, and institutional oversight. We have established a system that provides exactly that, structured competition rules, a transparent sanctioning processes, and regulated event environments. These are not administrative formalities; they are the foundation of legitimacy.
Just as importantly, regulation protects the athletes.
Bare-knuckle boxing, by its nature, presents different physical demands and risks compared to our gloved events. That reality cannot be ignored, indeed it must be managed. Through mandatory medical examinations, ringside supervision, post-fight monitoring, and strict medical injury protocols, we are ensuring that athletes compete in conditions where risk is controlled.
This is a fundamental shift in how the sport is perceived. Safety and professionalism are no longer secondary concerns; they are central pillars of the system.
Beyond the athletes, regulation strengthens every aspect of the sport.
Officials must be trained to a consistent standard. Referees, judges, and cut technicians must operate within clear frameworks that ensure fairness and technical accuracy. Events must be organised professionally, with accountability at every level. Audiences must be able to trust that what they are watching is not only competitive, but credible.
This is how you build confidence within the sport, and outside of it.
There is also a broader responsibility at play.
As we are now, IBA Bare-knuckle boxing does not exist in isolation. It is part of the wider ecosystem of combat sports. As such, it must meet the expectations of modern sport governance, including integrity, transparency, and anti-doping compliance. These are non-negotiable standards in today’s sporting world, and they must apply equally here.
If we want bare-knuckle boxing to be recognised globally, it must operate globally under unified principles, not fragmented practices.
For athletes, this transformation opens real opportunities. A regulated structure provides clear competitive pathways. It creates an environment where performance, not circumstance, determines success. It allows athletes from boxing and other disciplines to compete within a system that values fairness, preparation, and professionalism.
For our IBA people, it delivers something equally important: we do what is right, not what is easy — credibility is key to success.
All eyes on Miami, lets enjoy the big day together!
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