From Ring To Boardroom: Manny Pacquiao Named As New IBA Vice President

Last Updated:October 27, 2025, 22:53 IST

Manny Pacquiao is named vice president of the International Boxing Association, aiming to unite and inspire boxers as the IBA seeks redemption after losing Olympic recognition.

Manny Pacquiao now joins the ranks of the IBA (Credit: X)

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has been appointed vice president of the International Boxing Association (IBA) — the same organisation barred from overseeing Olympic boxing due to years of corruption and governance issues.

The 46-year-old Filipino, one of the sport’s most decorated fighters with world titles across eight divisions, will serve alongside IBA president Umar Kremlev, who has close links to the Kremlin.

Pacquiao’s new role will focus on “athlete-first" programmes and expanding opportunities for boxers worldwide.

The IBA, previously known as AIBA, was stripped of Olympic recognition in 2021 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) raised repeated concerns over financial irregularities, integrity breaches and political interference.

Olympic boxing will instead be run by World Boxing beginning with the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Speaking after a meeting in Manila, Pacquiao praised Kremlev’s “visionary leadership," saying:

“The IBA has entered a Golden Era — an era where every boxer, from every country, can dream, fight, and succeed on equal terms."

He vowed to dedicate himself to uniting the sport:

“I will build bridges between amateurs and professionals, between East and West, between generations and cultures."

Pacquiao’s own story — from selling doughnuts on the streets of Manila to becoming a world champion, senator, and now boxing executive — remains one of sport’s most extraordinary journeys.

As the IBA attempts a reinvention under his watch, Pacquiao’s influence could determine whether the embattled federation earns redemption or remains on the sidelines of Olympic boxing.

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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