This is the first Sports Management course for which participants, who pioneered the initiative, have successfully completed all 8 Level 1 educational modules. The course started at the beginning of 2024 and since then IBA has been working with a leading university, the Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE). The aim of the course was to guide individuals in the sports industry, particularly in boxing. It was to ensure that all those responsible for organising events, as well as members of the sports structure, were well trained and knowledgeable.

The focus of the course has always been on athletes, officials, federation and association staff as well as other stakeholders in the world of boxing. The intention is to empower individuals in sports management. Of the participants, 11 have a sporting background and 32% of the students are women. For the athletes, it is an opportunity to stay involved in the sport from a different perspective.

The Sports Management course is divided into three different levels: Level 1 (basic), Level 2 (intermediate) and Level 3 (advanced). Each level culminates in the award of a certificate. Successful completion of each level entitles the student to progress to the next level. Levels 1 and 2 are distance learning (online), while Level 3 is residential and takes place at the University of Madrid.

As a final project for Level 1, the participants presented a mock boxing event, including all aspects of preparation: sporting, technical, financial, marketing, promotion and others.

"I am delighted to see the emergence of new professionals in the sports management industry,' said Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General and CEO of the IBA. "Providing continuing professional development opportunities for members of our boxing family, including former athletes, is vital to the IBA. I am confident that the students on this course will continue their education through levels 2 and 3 and become highly sought after professionals in the marketplace", he said.

Dev Kumar Parmar, Academic Director at ISDE, said, "It has already been said that this is a ground-breaking course, not only for the IBA, but as a bespoke course for members of a sports federation.