A delegation from Cardiff has successfully secured an international boxing event which will bring in millions of pounds to the city economy.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) announced today that Cardiff has been chosen to host its convention in 2013, with a world title bout taking place in the city as part of the event.
The news follows the Cardiff delegation, led by Council Deputy Leader Councillor Neil McEvoy, travelling to a convention in Las Vegas last weekend to present the case for the Welsh capital hosting the event
The WBC 2013 Convention will attract international boxers, promoters, managers, administrators of the sport, trainers, contenders, champions and former champions and up to 1000 delegates. As part of the event past and present boxing champions will visit charities, local boxing gyms and community projects as well as launching a pilot ‘Sporting Chances’ project working with young offenders.
It is estimated that the convention will generate around £3.2m for the city economy.
Councillor McEvoy said: “When we arrived in Las Vegas this was far from a done deal as there were several other major international cities still vying to host this event.
“But in the end the case for Cardiff was conclusive. The WBC representatives were hugely impressed at Cardiff’s successful delivery, time and time again, of high profile sporting events including; the Rugby World Cup; FA Cup and Heineken Cup Finals as well as a Ashes test match.
“We made sure that it was clear to them that Cardiff had justifiably earned an international reputation as a world-class sporting and visitor destination. They had already been impressed by the city when we hosted the WBC Night of the Champions in 2010 and I know that there is now great anticipation in Cardiff hosting the WBC Convention in 2013. “
He added: “This really is great news for Cardiff and I am confident the city will more than live up to expectations with the long-term legacy of making Cardiff a recognised location for major boxing events in the future.”
