LONDON -- The 21st edition of the Men's World Boxing Championships will be held in Belgrade, Serbia from October 24th to November 6th, confirmed the International Boxing Association (AIBA) on Friday.

The championships will feature 13 categories for the first time in AIBA's history after the weight classes were extended from August 2021.

"I believe that this World Championships will start a new chapter in AIBA's history," said AIBA president Umar Kremlev. "We have a record number of participants competing in 13 new weight categories, which is a sign of boxing's strength and extensive global development. "

"We are providing our athletes with the best opportunities to succeed and we will do our utmost to ensure a fair chance and fair fights for every participant," added the Russian who was elected as the AIBA president at the end of 2020.

About 650 boxers from more than 100 countries and regions have registered for their participation. Among the total prize fund of 2.6 million US dollars, each of the gold medalists will receive 100,000 US dollars.