Cardiff Council deputy leader Neil McEvoy is calling on the Welsh Government to back his campaign to make Cardiff a recognised home for major boxing events in the future following Cardiff’s successful bid to host the WBC Convention in 2013.
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 has written to Huw Lewis, the Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, calling for the Welsh Government to commit funding to support the WBC Convention.
He said: “Winning the right to host the WBC Convention will bring millions of pounds into the local economy; it will cement Wales’ reputation as a home for major international events and put us Cardiff on the map as a venue for world title bouts. But for me, it has to be about more than that. It’s about recognising our proud history and the fighters we’ve produced, and providing the inspiration for the next generation of great Welsh boxers.
“I believe that bringing the WBC Convention and a world title bout to Cardiff will be the catalyst for inspiring and developing the next generation of great Welsh fighters, the next Calzaghe or Cleverly. In my letter I am urging to meet with Mr Lewis to discuss the Convention and explore how the Welsh Government can provide support to make sure that our success in securing this prestigious event leads to lasting benefit for the people of Wales.”
