Liverpool to host first event of its kind in the world

The inaugural World Boxing Championships has selected Liverpool for its host city in 2025. Taking place in September next year, the M&S Bank Arena will stage 10 days of elite fights in the first event of its kind hosted by World Boxing.

The ECHO understands Liverpool Council’s cabinet signed off on its role when it met last week, including the provision of hotel accommodation and services around the arena. The event is the first set up by the new federation to ensure boxing remains part of the Olympic Games.

This is the latest in a long list of major boxing events held in Liverpool, with the city hosting the European Championships in 2008. In 2016, Tony “Bomber” Bellew won his first world title when he defeated Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park.

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The world bouts will feature competition in 10 weight classes for both men and women and will be the first time ever that male and female boxers have competed in Olympic-style boxing for the title of world champion at the same event. Precise weight categories will be finalised in the new edition of World Boxing’s competition rules, to be published following its Congress in November.

Boris van der Vorst, President of World Boxing, said: “Liverpool is a globally famous city with a proud heritage in boxing and it will be a fantastic place to host our first ever Elite World Boxing Championships. This will be a superb showcase for the sport of Olympic boxing, particularly as it will be the first time ever that the men and women’s competition will run alongside each other as part of the same Championships.”

The bid to host the fights was developed by a group of partners including England Boxing, GB Boxing, Liverpool Council and the M&S Bank Arena. It is supported by the National Lottery and UK Sport.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for culture, sport and health, said: “It is a huge coup for Liverpool to be hosting the World Boxing Championships. This is a massive global sporting event and one which the city is proud to be welcoming.

“Liverpool has a long, historic connection with boxing and we are delighted to be playing our part in what will be a pivotal step for the future of the sport. We also look forward to working with our communities and boxing clubs to ensure that we can support the future grassroots development of boxing in the city.

“Our winning bid also underlines the city’s appeal and ability to showcase the world’s best, and I’m sure these world championships will be just as popular as those we staged for Gymnastics and Netball.”

Esther Britten, head of events and external affairs at UK Sport added: “We are delighted to be supporting the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool next year, an event which will support efforts to help the sport establish a long-term future in the Olympic movement. After the incredible summer of sport, having the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd is a huge boost for our boxers. We look forward to working with our event hosting partners to deliver this exciting event.”

World Boxing currently has 44 members covering all five Continents that compete in international boxing. Its membership is expected to have grown significantly by September next year.