Core Perspective - The International Boxing Association (IBA) is launching a comprehensive reform plan called the "Golden Era," aiming to create an innovative boxing ecosystem with an estimated investment of $300 million [2][23]. Group 1: Historical Context - The IBA, one of the oldest boxing organizations, has faced significant challenges, including its expulsion from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to controversies surrounding its leadership and operations since the Russia-Ukraine conflict [3][4]. - The IBA's loss of Olympic oversight has prompted it to explore various reform strategies to revitalize the organization, which was established in 1920 [3][4]. Group 2: Reform Initiatives - The "Golden Era" plan encompasses competitive reforms and commercial development, aiming to integrate amateur boxing, professional boxing, and bare-knuckle boxing into a cohesive ecosystem [4][6]. - The IBA will continue to host world championships across all age groups and provide funding to member associations for youth boxing programs, despite losing its Olympic status [6][12]. Group 3: Professional Boxing Structure - The IBA Pro, set to launch in 2025, will establish a ranking system and world championship titles, differentiating itself from traditional professional boxing while collaborating with established organizations like the World Boxing Association (WBA) [6][12]. - The IBA Pro aims to create a hybrid system that allows amateur boxers to earn prize money while maintaining a distinct identity from traditional professional boxing [10][12]. Group 4: Introduction of Bare-Knuckle Boxing - The IBA is introducing bare-knuckle boxing as part of its competitive framework, aiming to attract new audiences with its raw and visually impactful nature [13][15]. - This initiative is seen as a way to capitalize on the growing popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) and to provide a more intense experience for fans [17][19]. Group 5: Cultural and Commercial Expansion - The IBA plans to expand into various sectors, including fitness, gaming, and fashion, with initiatives like the establishment of IBA boxing gyms and the development of boxing-themed video games [23][25]. - Collaborations with fashion brands and the introduction of IBA-branded merchandise aim to position boxing as a lifestyle, similar to successful models in other sports [27][29]. Group 6: Financial Commitment and Future Outlook - The IBA's ambitious plans are backed by significant financial resources, with a focus on creating a sustainable and profitable boxing ecosystem [19][30]. - The success of the "Golden Era" initiative will depend on the IBA's ability to build partnerships and generate interest across various sectors, potentially transforming it into a dominant force in the boxing industry [30].

Group 1 - Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list of the highest-paid athletes with an income of $275 million, marking a record year and making him the highest-earning athlete for the fifth time overall [1][5] - The total income of the top ten athletes reached $1.4 billion, a slight increase from $1.38 billion last year, representing the highest total since Forbes began tracking athlete earnings in 1990 [3] - Stephen Curry set a new NBA record with an income of $156 million, surpassing LeBron James' previous record of $128.2 million [1][2] Group 2 - Notably, four of the top ten athletes have strong ties to Saudi Arabia, reflecting the country's growing influence in sports through initiatives like LIV Golf [4] - Ronaldo's income includes a salary of $225 million from Al-Nassr and $50 million from off-field activities, showcasing the lucrative nature of athlete endorsements and investments [6][5] - Other athletes like Dak Prescott and Juan Soto broke income records in their respective leagues, with Prescott earning $137 million and Soto $114 million [2][4] Group 3 - The list includes athletes from various sports, with boxing, basketball, football, and baseball represented, highlighting the diverse revenue streams available to top athletes [1][2][4] - Athletes like Curry and Shohei Ohtani earned over $100 million solely from off-field activities, indicating a trend where endorsements and personal ventures are becoming increasingly significant [3][4] - The ranking reflects not only on-field performance but also the athletes' ability to leverage their fame into substantial off-field earnings [1][3][4]