World Boxing Championships 'may bring £5m' to city

The championships are the latest in a long list of major boxing events held in Liverpool

Hosting the first ever World Boxing Championships next year could bring millions of pounds to Liverpool according to official estimations.

It was revealed last month that the M&S Bank Arena will stage 10 days of elite fights in the first event of its kind hosted by World Boxing.

It is the first event to be set up by the new federation to ensure boxing remains an Olympic sport.

A report to Liverpool City Council's executive members has outlined how the event could bring in more than £5m for the city between 4-14 September.

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet will formally sign off on the necessary requirements around accommodation for fighters and officials when it meets next week.

The championships are 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.

Boost the city

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.

The report said it is estimated up to 750 athletes from up to 80 countries will be represented in Liverpool next year.

This is the equivalent of 11,000 bed nights.

The report set out how the event could considerably boost the city’s economy.

It said: "The event has the capacity to draw thousands of visitors, including athletes, teams, officials, and boxing fans, all of whom will contribute significantly to the local economy.

"Furthermore, beyond the immediate economic activity, hosting another event of this calibre maintains Liverpool’s status as a vibrant and culturally rich city, opening avenues for future tourism and investment opportunities."

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.