Astana will host the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) 55th convention as part of the international exhibition Expo 2017. This decision was taken in the United States at the WBC Convention in Hollywood. This is the most authoritative organization in professional boxing. Representatives of the Kazakh professional boxing federation successfully defended Kazakhstan’s application. Leaving behind several states competitors, Kazakhstan has finally gained the right to hold the convention.

YERLAN BEKHOZHIN, PRESIDENT, KAZAKHSTAN PROFESSIONAL BOXING FEDERATION:

It is a very responsible and important task for us. We would like to show the world our country’s success in the 25 years of independence. We presented a short film, it stir great excitement and interest.

The decision to hold the world’s prestigious boxing event in Astana is another victory for Kazakhstan’s sport and a unique chance to show the world the country’s achievements. The convention, which will take place within the Expo 2017, is expected to be attended by the representatives of more than 160 countries.

EVANDER HOLYFIELD, U.S. PROFESSIONAL BOXER:

I’m honored to be able to go to Kazakhstan. I’m honored to be the ambassador for the WBC. I look forward to go in Kazakhstan.

The WBC was founded in 1963 jointly by 11 boxing federations. The organization is headquartered in Mexico City. Kazakhstan participates in conventions since the early 1990-s and is the second state in the CIS after Russia, which will host this prestigious event.