The International Boxing Association (IBA) has expressed interest and readiness to stage a professional boxing bout for former UFC light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones. The announcement follows recent comments from the decorated American fighter, who revealed he is seriously considering a transition into the boxing ring, specifically mentioning a potential match-up against Francis Ngannou. [The two never fought in an MMA fight]. IBA president Umar Kremlev  confirmed that the organization is actively tracking the situation. “If we are talking about a potential move into boxing for Jon Jones, these are the kinds of stories that interest us. Jones in the ring against Daniel Cormier or Francis Ngannou, but under boxing rules—these are the fights that the whole world is talking about and waiting for.

 

The IBA president says he will discuss this opportunity with Jones next month. “On June 27th, Jon arrives in Russia for the IBA bare knukcles tournament, and, of course, we will speak with him in person. It is important to understand how serious his plans are to test himself in boxing. If this interest proves to be real, the IBA will stage a major event featuring him in Russia.”

 

The American fighter previously held champion titles in both the UFC light-heavyweight (up to 205 pounds) and heavyweight (up to 264 pounds) divisions.