(PUEBLO, CO) — Talented boxers from around the world stop in Pueblo to step into the ring and compete. 2024 USA Boxing International Invitational. This is his second time the event has been held at the Pueblo Convention Center and will draw more than 100 of his athletes representing more than a dozen countries.
“They send boxers here to prepare, because when you're the best boxer in the world, you don't box at home, you box all over the world,” said Mike McAtee, CEO and executive director of USA Boxing. Because I have to travel,” he said. “As you know, steel affects steel. That's why we have all these great countries here. I think we have 50 Olympians who have qualified for the Olympics right now. .”
When it came to hosting this event in Pueblo, USA Boxing's strong relationship with the city of Pueblo was evident, especially from the atmosphere at the Pueblo Convention Center.
“The appeal of Pueblo is, first of all, it's a great city, it's very welcoming, and it has a great convention office,” McAtee said. “The city and county governments have been very welcoming and this venue is fantastic and meets all of our needs.”
The Pueblo Convention Center is eagerly anticipating not only hosting top boxers, but also enthusiastic fans who want to watch the sport compete in the ring, giving many the chance to witness first-hand the talent heading to the Paris Olympics. You can get it.
“We've had a really great relationship with USA Boxing. It's important for USA Boxing to introduce people to the sport. We wanted to make it free and open to the public,” said Kevin Ortiz, general manager of the Pueblo Convention Center.
As spectators and enthusiasts travel to the Steel City for this experience, it is clear how hosting this event in Pueblo will impact the broader community.
“I think Pueblo is cool because it’s a lot smaller. [than] They always have big things happening in Denver or whatever,” said Sam Walker, an avid boxing fan from Pueblo. “So I think coming to Pueblo really makes a difference.”
The Convention Center takes great pride in hosting this event and welcoming Olympic athletes to the competition venue.
“This exhibit hall was constructed and completed in May 2019. These are exactly the types of events we wanted to bring to the Pueblo community,” Ortiz said. “So we're really looking forward to hosting this event and seeing the community come out to support America, and we're looking forward to a great week of competition.”
Among the top talent heading to the Paris Olympics is Omari Jones, who was in Pueblo to train and support the U.S. team.
“I'm coming to Pueblo to support my team, Team USA,” Jones said. “There are some top-class countries here. I still have to go to Paris and win the gold medal, so I'm continuing to train and work hard while doing that.”
Jones recently qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and described the moment as a “dream come true.” Honestly, the emotions that come with it. It was a long journey because I felt like I finally had my dreams and goals and everything I had worked for since I was 8 years old. ”
As the crowds began to gather on Tuesday morning, the anticipation for the game and the prospect of seeing some of the world's best talent in action was palpable.
“People's expectations are very high this week at Pueblo, imagine some great competition,” Jones said. “So a lot of these boxers are already qualified. So we're going to see Olympian versus Olympian, and a lot of the matches are going to be very close and intense.”
Games begin at noon and 6 p.m. daily and will be held throughout the week until Friday. The scheduled finals and medal ceremony will take place Saturday at noon.
