WBC Night of Champions

With this Summer being one of the hottest on record, it is only fitting the last week of July will see one of the hottest boxing events in some time. All eyes of the pugilistic world will be focused on the seaside city of Cardiff, Wales as over 100 past and present world boxing champions will be present at the second ever WBC Night Of Champions, from July 29th to 31st. The quadrennial event was first held in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico during the last weekend of January, 2006. While that event brought nearly 100 champions from around the globe and focused on restoring tourism to the Hurricane Wilma ravaged region, this 2010 edition will show the boxing world the fighting spirit and history of the small, but tenacious United Kingdom country of Wales.

A tireless, dedicated army led by David Walker, Roy Payne, Kevin Hayde and others behind the scenes are putting the finishing touches on the three day event in the final days of preparation.

Day one- July 29th, will will feature an open top bus tour throughout Cardiff, taking in Cardiff Castle and Millennium Stadium for the boxing heroes- both professional and amateur alike.
Later that evening, both boxers and entertainers of stage, film and music will attend the first ever Welsh film world premiere in Wales. “Risen” is the story of former world champion Howard Winstone, a Welsh native son who overcame a crippling disability to become world featherweight champion.

The following day will see several activities occurring. Champions will be available for interviews with the press, visits to local attractions and weigh-ins for the evening’s highlight- The first ever “Team Great Britain” vs. “The Rest of the World.” Olympic hopefuls will compete in the “Road to the Olympics” tournament- the first of it’s kind of Welsh soil. There will be twelve bouts in all, including two female contests. With neighboring London hosting the 2012 Summer Olympic games, this is an important tournament for all involved. The Chinese Olympic team will be featured, as well as hopefuls from the U.S. Former world title challenger and top trainer Robert McCracken will coach team U.K.

The final day will culminate in the gala WBC Night of Champions dinner- the most prestigious boxing awards ceremony held once every four years. Lifetime achievement awards will be presented to the best in boxing. Entertainment will be provided by some of the best Welsh and international performers today.

Some of the confirmed champions to be in attendance include:

Alan Minter
Alan Rudkin
Azumah Nelson
Bradley Price
Carl Froch
Eddie Avoth
Enzo Maccarinelli
George Louis Chuvalo
Glenn Catley
Iran Barkley
Jane Couch
Jesse James Leija
John Conteh
John H Stracey
Johnny Nelson
Juan Laporte
Ken Buchanan
Kevin Kelly
Kevin Lueshing
Leon Spinks
Lloyd Honeyghan
Miguel Cotto
Momo Koseki
Naomi Togashi
Nigel Benn
Paul Hodkinson
Paul Ingle
Richie Woodhall
Robbe Regan
Rocco Mattioli
Ryan Rhodes
Scot Welsh
Selcuk Aydin
Shannon Briggs
Steve Collins
Steve Robinson
Terry Marsh
Tim Witherspoon
Toshiaki Nishioka
Vitali Klitschko
Vito Antuofermo
Werner Dittmair
Wladimir Klitschko
Yuri Arbachakov
Zab Judah
Roberto Duran
Takahiro Aoh
Sergio Martinez
Javier Castillejo
Jeff Harding
Glenn McCrory
Carlos Zarate
Alfonso Zamora
Humberto Chiquita Gonzalez
Miguel Angel Gonzalez

July 19th, 2010

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