Boxing legends to descend on Cardiff

14th April 2010

Cardiff, 29-31 July 2010
Greatest Gathering of Champions in History 

Cardiff is to host this year’s WBC (World Boxing Council) Night of Champions International Boxing Festival.

Up to 10,000 visitors from around the world are expected to visit the Festival which runs between 29 and 31 July.  Hywel Thomas, a spokesperson for Cardiff & Co, the organisation charged with promoting the city said:

“It seems fitting that that the WBC Night of Champions is being held in Cardiff, in what is likely to be the largest gathering of boxing champions in history. The city-region has a proud boxing tradition, producing some great fighters over the years, such as Jack Peterson, Jim Driscoll, Jimmy Wilde and just down the road in Merthyr, Howard Winstone, Jonny Owen and of course Joe Calzaghe from Newbridge.

“Clearly an event like this, bringing together past and present champions, provides great exposure for the capital city and is testament to the city’s growing reputation as a major events location. The three-day festival, the boxing equivalent to the Oscars, is likely to be a big draw with fans of the sport, both at home and abroad. For some, it may be their first visit to the capital and presents a great opportunity to showcase what the city has to offer. The city’s hoteliers have played a significant part in attracting this event to Cardiff which will provide a boost for the local economy in addition to raising the city’s profile.”

His sentiments were echoed by Cllr Neil McEvoy, Cardiff City Council Deputy Leader, who said:

“Boxing has an incredible reach, with fans in every country around the world. Now, more than ever, we have to ensure Wales has an international profile and presence. I understand bookings are already coming in from as far afield as Australia, the Far East and Latvia, with some people saying they’d never heard of Cardiff before, but were looking forward to being here.”

But perhaps the greatest impact the Festival can have on our community is in providing funding for new legacy projects, utilising the discipline and credibility of boxing to refocus young offenders on leading more productive lives.

The Night of Champions event organiser, Kevin Hayde, said:

“People have their own views on boxing, but there is no denying the sport’s beneficial impact on many young people, teaching them discipline, respect and leading a healthy lifestyle. Far better they expend their natural energy in a ring than on the streets, developing life and work skills alongside their boxing talents.

“Every fan visiting the Festival will also be contributing to a fund to be reinvested back into the community, which not only helps our most troubled and disadvantaged youth, but gives them hope and skills for the future.”

Event organisers have already held discussions with the Chief Constable and Cardiff City Council on developing new programmes in association with the Princes Trust and other community groups.

Welcoming the initiative, Cardiff City Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Judith Woodman, said:

“As a child, the local boxing gym was an integral part of my community. We should take the best traditions of the past and shape them to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Boxing is proven to be the most effective sport in helping many young people back on the path of leading successful, satisfying lives.”

The core of the 3-day Festival comprises:

• World Premiere of Welsh-made film ‘Risen’ about the life of World and Welsh boxing legend, Howard Winstone – the inspiring story of the Merthyr man who rose above the odds to win a World Boxing Championship
• An official pre-Olympic tournament between Team GB versus the Rest of the World
• The WBC’s ‘Night of Champions’ Gala Awards Dinner

All these events will be held at the Cardiff International Arena, and tickets are now on sale.

Tickets for all 3 evenings of the Festival can be purchased from:

• Ticketmaster - tel: 0844 999 999
• Cardiff International Arena Box Office - tel: 029 2022 4488
• St David’s Sport & Stage - tel: 029 2023 4567

For comprehensive information on the event click here.

To find out more about things to do and see in Cardiff, click here or to book accommodation, www.conferencebookings.co.uk (quote ref CDFWBC2010)

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