IBA will need to ‘float like a butterfly and sting like a bee’

“THIS is the Oscars of boxing!” These were the excitable words of former World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

The retired Mancunian, also known as “The Gypsy King’, also exclaimed “Show me the money” when asked if he would make a comeback for a shot at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Pro heavyweight championship belt - which just so happens to be 5.5kg of pure gold.

Fury’s comments though were in line with the spectacular events on a glorious sunlit day alongside the Bosphorus where the IBA were launching a “Golden Era” ahead of the IBA.Pro 7 Champions’ Night at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul.

The “A-listers” were all there on full HD display. Alongside Fury was former undisputed welterweight and junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford, Rasheda Ali - daughter of the late Muhamad Alli, the face of Turkish Airlines, actor Kerem Bursin, IBA President Umar Kremlev and none other than British supermodel Naomi Campbell.

In fact, Campbell headlined a glittering fashion show that lit up the press conference.