Roy Jones says ready to help US boxers to participate in IBA world championships
IBA is the only organization that works in the interests of boxers and coaches, Roy Jones said
MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Former US professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. said he is ready to help members of the US national boxing team to participate in the upcoming 2023 International Boxing Association (IBA) world championships.
2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships will be held in India’s New Delhi in March, while the men’s event is scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in May. USA Boxing said on February 8 it would not send boxers to this year's men's and women's world championships, citing "the ongoing failures" of the IBA, led by Russian citizen Umar Kremlev.
"I was bitterly disappointed to hear about the IBA World Boxing Championships boycott. On their official website, they give hackneyed statements that have nothing to do with reality!" Roy Jones Jr. said in a statement, obtained by TASS on Thursday.
"Today, on my own behalf, I would like to reassure the athletes, coaches and all boxing fans of the United States that this decision was made only by officials, and not by the boxers themselves," he continued. "Moreover, I will personally organize help and support for national team boxers and coaches who would like to take part in these championships. The IBA has wonderful programs to support its athletes who, for whatever reason, do not have the opportunity to compete in New Delhi and Tashkent."
"Regarding the management and financial transparency of the IBA, I would like to reiterate that this is the only organization that works in the interests of boxers and coaches. It is open to the sports community and always stands up for the protection of its athletes," Jones added.
"Once my dream was taken away from me, now my life-time goal is to help young athletes achieve their dreams," he said. "The officials themselves, who would like to make sports political, can continue to sit in their huge offices and talk about the importance of sports and their work, as well as continue to make statements. But we must not allow them to deprive our athletes of the right to represent their country because of the weak leadership.".