Chicagoing.net

As Chicago moves into the final days of hosting the AIBA World Boxing Championships, it appears that the city has gained some much needed support in the bid to host the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.

On October 4th, the chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Peter Ueberroth, was quoted as saying “We’re somewhere between third and fourth… And that’s not a criticism. It’s a reality because, if you’re running in a race, you can kind of see where the other runners are…” he went on to say “Chicago has to say who it is. We have to show the world who we are.”

It was suggested that that World Boxing Championships would provide a pivotal opportunity for the city to showcase how it can handle a world class sporting event and would heavily influence Chicago’s Olympic Bid. The AIBA Championships are the only Olympic Qualifying Event that will be held in Chicago prior to the Oct, 2008 vote that will determine the 2016 Olympic Host City.

As the AIBA World Boxing Championships have played out, many in the sports world have been beyond impressed with Chicago’s handling of the event. Over the course of the last 10 days, Chicago has gained the support of AIBA President and International Olympic Committee member Dr. Ching-kuo Wu. Dr Wu said “Certainly I want to support the best, and I think Chicago has convinced me they are, up to now, really the best city for me.”

The World Boxing Championships has seen Chicago play host to more than 700 boxers from over 120 different countries. By the end of the 12-Day event, 80 qualifying spots will be determined for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

When asked about his overall impression of the World Boxing Championships, Dr. Wu stated “I will say the best ever.”