(ATR) Olympic-hopeful boxers are experiencing the "atmosphere" of Riode Janeiro.
Fifty -three boxers are taking part in the Aquece Rio International Boxing Tournament, the sport’s test event for the Olympic Games, at the Riocentro convention center. International Boxing Association head of communications William Louis-Marie tells Around the Rings that the event allows the federation to "showcase" boxers in Rio as the sport prepares for the Olympics.
"We are pleased to be here in December for Boxing test event and everything is going very smoothly," Louis-Marie toldATR.
"AIBA has had different meetings with the organizing committee, so we can only welcome the readiness of the organization and be ready for the Olympic Games time. This event is a great opportunity for us to show our boxers from all over the world."
For the organizing committee the priority remains testing field of play, the scoring systems, and working with sport-specific volunteers in the framework of their responsibilities during the Games and to gain advice from the international federations. Boxing is the fourth Olympic and Paralympic test event to take place in Pavilion 4 of Riocentro so far, which has saved Rio 2016 time and allowed organizers to learn how to prepare to configure the multiple sports that will take place in the complex Games-time.
During the Olympics, boxing will be held in Pavilion 6 of Riocentro, a new structure currently being built. Originally designed as a temporary venue, the city of Rio has decided to change the new structure to permanent allowing for expansion of the venue post-Games.
Athletes who are participating in the test event, say that the excitement for the Games in nine months is palpable. The test event has drawn numerous current and previous world champions to Brazil, many for the first time.
"I’ve read a lot but this is the first time visiting, and I was very excited," Chungneijang Hmangte, a world champion from India, said to ATR.
"I have a lot of experience many competition, world championships, and Olympic Games. This event is fantastic! All the organizers brought great organization."
Carlos Balderas, the first U.S. boxer to qualify for the Rio 2016 Games, said to ATR getting to experience Rio’s people and cuisine proved to be a highlight.
"I’m coming back to Brazil in August to compete, and to win," Balderas said.
"The venue is nice here, and I’ve seen the one they are making which should be a nice one. I’m excited, man."
Lisa Whiteside, a silver medalist at the 2014 World Championships from Great Britain, said that despite the visible Olympic construction, the city is prepared for next year and is putting on a world-class event.
"I’ve been to a lot of international tournaments and sometimes you can be in line for ages weighing in and other things," Whiteside said to ATR.
"Here, when you get to the warm-up area where you get your bandages it has been running very smoothly. Obviously this isn’t the boxing venue, when you’ve got the atmosphere it’s going to be fantastic."
Tony Yoka from France is the reigning super-heavyweight world champion, and is using the test event to visit the Olympic city, and scout out his competition for 2016.
He said to ATR that he came to Rio to "see the atmosphere, and it is very good." Despite not boxing at the test event, he remained focused for the Games.
"I’m the number one in the world, I won the gold medal just 10 months before the Olympics, so for me now I just want to be Olympic champion," Yoka said.
"It is a good venue, and the Athlete’s Village is maybe 200 meters away. The Olympic Games is the only time when all sports public come to support, so I think they’re going to support us."
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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