Full size127 cm / 50 in · 2.7 kgReal leatherBoxed
The essentials: the IBF grew out of the United States Boxing Association in 1983 and is still the only one of the four majors headquartered in the United States, in New Jersey. Its belt is known by the twin blue globes side by side on red leather. 127 cm / 50 in, about 2.7 kg / 6 lb, supplied in a presentation case. €159, free shipping.
1983, an American body
In 1983 the United States Boxing Association, until then a regional body, declared itself international and became the International Boxing Federation. It set up in New Jersey, where it remains.
Hence the two globes on the plate: one centred on the Americas, the other on Europe and Africa, under the words World and International.
The belt
Real red leather with white edge trim. Heavily worked oval centre plate framed by a gold eagle at the top and a garland of red and white cabochons. At the centre, the twin blue globes carrying World and International. Either side, two smooth round plates with gold rims.
What the photograph will not tell you is the relief. This is the most sculpted plate of the group, standing several millimetres proud — the cabochons catch light one by one, and the belt does not read the same from one lighting angle to the next. The back panel is pale and the fastening adjusts on a hook-and-loop band. Laid out: 127 cm / 50 in at about 2.7 kg / 6 lb.
Technical specifications
Buying tip: for cabinet display, light this plate from the side rather than head on. The cabochons and raised gold only take light at an angle; under frontal light the plate reads flat and loses its modelling. The case doubles as storage between outings.
A belt to display or a belt to wear
Two uses, two criteria. For a cabinet or a wall, the plate relief and the leather colour do the work — bright red separates from a dark background as well as from wood. For a ring presentation, it is the spread of the weight, the lining and the 127 cm / 50 in laid-out length that let it sit on a shoulder.
You may also like
- WBA championship belt — navy leather and a gold crown, if you want the oldest of the four bodies.
- WBO championship belt — burgundy leather, eagle over a globe and a fleece lining, if the belt has to be worn all evening.
- WBC championship belt — green leather and four portrait medallions, if you want faces on the belt.
The full range sits in the boxing belts and trophies collection.
Frequently asked questions
What does IBF stand for in boxing?
International Boxing Federation. It grew out of the United States Boxing Association in 1983 and is one of the four major professional bodies — the only one headquartered in the United States, in New Jersey.
How big is the belt?
127 cm / 50 in overall and about 2.7 kg / 6 lb, the size of a real world championship belt. It adjusts on a hook-and-loop band at the back.
Does it come in a box?
Yes, it is supplied in a presentation case, which also serves as storage between displays.
Is this belt a replica?
Yes — a full-size, highly detailed replica of the IBF world championship belt: 127 cm / 50 in, about 2.7 kg / 6 lb, real 3 mm leather and brass plates in a gold finish. Unlike an official belt, it can be personalised: engraving on the discs, photos, leather colour.
Can the side plates be personalised?
Yes, both discs ship smooth and take three short lines of engraving, or a photo, as specified with the order.
What leather is used?
Real leather 3 mm thick in red, with white trim stitched round the edge and brass plates in a gold finish.
