Top amateurs continue to take pro bouts under the IBA umbrella. On May 4th, Spanish featherweight Jose Quiles (1-0) will headline IBA Champions’ Night at the Madrid Arena in the Spanish capital. The European Games silver medalist will face Javier Ibanez, a Cuban representing Bulgaria in an eight-round bout. Both men have strong amanteur backgrounds as well as history with each other. Ibanez, a European Games winner, upset Quiles during the final in Krakow, although they both received their tickets to Paris 2024. This is a great opportunity  to see who is stronger in a pro-style format.

 

IBA world championships bronze medallist Enmanuel Reyes Pla from Spain will be featured against Uzbekistan’s Shohjahon Abduallev in the 202-pound category. They recently fought in an amateur tournament, and the Spanish boxer is hungry for a rematch in front of his home crowd.

 

At flyweight, IBA world championships bronze medalist Martin Molina from Spain will face off against Bilal Bennama from France, who is a three-time world amateur championships medalist. Bennama has the edge in their previous bouts with two victories against Molina. The rivals didn’t have a chance to meet at the latest world championships in Tashkent, however, this IBA Champions’ Night will be a great chance to determine the strongest boxer in the pro-style format.

 

‘This event is a great testimony of Spanish boxing power and its prospects, as the country constantly progresses with their performances,’ IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said. ‘We will see Spanish boxers in action at our IBA Champions’ Night having an opportunity to celebrate their excellence in front of their home crowd. This night promises unforgettable bouts, showcasing the very essence of boxing and its power to unite and inspire. We are proud to bring such a high-calibre event to Madrid, and I am confident that each athlete will elevate this sport to new heights, leaving a legacy for future generations.’

 

President of the Royal Spanish Boxing Federation Felipe Martínez added that ‘It is not easy to be able to host an event like this, although Spain has demonstrated its solvency in recent years, helping to organize major competitions such as the Women’s European Championships in Alcobendas or the IBA Youth World Championships in La Nucía. The excellent development of these tournaments and the outstanding moment of Spanish boxing, which has just achieved a third participant for Paris, have been key factors for this IBA Champions’ Night to land in the capital of our country. I think it’s going to be a great event, in every way, and I hope for the wide spread support for Spanish boxing from our sporting fans.’

 

Three more Spanish boxers are going to take part in the IBA Champions’ Night in Madrid, they will be announced within next few weeks along with their rivals.

 

The live stream is available at night.iba.sport.