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kenyan_cheena · 10-23-2007, 12:11 AM

"IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS EVE CAME EARLY"

Sunday 25 August 2002

Anyone who has doubted the current popularity of boxing would certainly have their opinion swayed if they were to get in their car and take a drive along Mario Lemieux Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, past the dome that is the Mellon Arena. The venue will host tomorrow's opening fight card of the International Boxing League's World Championship regional qualifying tournaments and ever since Thursday night, crowds have been gathering outside of the forty year-old building in anticipation of the event, many of them staying through the night. They purchased their tickets weeks ago so the purpose of this gathering has nothing to do with acquiring the best seats. No, it's all about the sense of community and excitement that boxing has brought to so many cities in America and around the world since the unveiling of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation just on twelve months ago. The gathering is similar to what happened in Japan back in May when some 300 people camped out near the Osaka Dome leading up to the country's selection trials.

"I have to say, it's like Christmas eve came early," said Pittsburgh resident Mike Johnston, who is apparently responsible for what's being called The Igloo Gathering. "Look at all the people here. There's just a tremendous feeling of friendship and anticipation amongst us all. People who might have seen each other a hundred times before but never exchanged a word have become friends."

The IBL has only added to boxing's popularity since its April birth and the organisation's first week of competition will feature bouts in the Middleweight division, with hometown favourites Charley Burley and Harry Greb to be the featured attractions come tomorrow night.

"There's gonna be some absolutely fantastic fights on the card," said an animated Johnston. "But the guys most of us will be there to see are Charley and Harry, of course. We know how excited they are to be making their debuts at home and we'll be doing everything we can to get them over that finish line as winners."

***

Las Vegas has seen something akin to a "Mexican invasion" during the last week as hundreds of Javier Aguirre supporters have flooded the city in anticipation of Wednesday's card at the MGM Grand. Aguirre will take on Texas-born Californian Terry Norris in the main event and Mexico's most admired fighter will have plenty of support amongst the crowd.

"Javier is our guy, no doubt," said Emilio Sanchez, one of the many who have made the journey to Vegas. "He's got a tough road ahead of him during the regionals so he'll need as much support as possible. We're gonna give it to him."

The clash between Norris and Aguirre figures to be one of the highlights of the first week of action in the IBL and is not to be missed.

***

(to be continued)

10-23-2007, 12:11 AM	#267 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,408	"IT'S LIKE CHRISTMAS EVE CAME EARLY" Sunday 25 August 2002 Anyone who has doubted the current popularity of boxing would certainly have their opinion swayed if they were to get in their car and take a drive along Mario Lemieux Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, past the dome that is the Mellon Arena. The venue will host tomorrow's opening fight card of the International Boxing League's World Championship regional qualifying tournaments and ever since Thursday night, crowds have been gathering outside of the forty year-old building in anticipation of the event, many of them staying through the night. They purchased their tickets weeks ago so the purpose of this gathering has nothing to do with acquiring the best seats. No, it's all about the sense of community and excitement that boxing has brought to so many cities in America and around the world since the unveiling of the Heavyweight Boxing Federation just on twelve months ago. The gathering is similar to what happened in Japan back in May when some 300 people camped out near the Osaka Dome leading up to the country's selection trials. "I have to say, it's like Christmas eve came early," said Pittsburgh resident Mike Johnston, who is apparently responsible for what's being called The Igloo Gathering. "Look at all the people here. There's just a tremendous feeling of friendship and anticipation amongst us all. People who might have seen each other a hundred times before but never exchanged a word have become friends." The IBL has only added to boxing's popularity since its April birth and the organisation's first week of competition will feature bouts in the Middleweight division, with hometown favourites Charley Burley and Harry Greb to be the featured attractions come tomorrow night. "There's gonna be some absolutely fantastic fights on the card," said an animated Johnston. "But the guys most of us will be there to see are Charley and Harry, of course. We know how excited they are to be making their debuts at home and we'll be doing everything we can to get them over that finish line as winners." * Las Vegas has seen something akin to a "Mexican invasion" during the last week as hundreds of Javier Aguirre supporters have flooded the city in anticipation of Wednesday's card at the MGM Grand. Aguirre will take on Texas-born Californian Terry Norris in the main event and Mexico's most admired fighter will have plenty of support amongst the crowd. "Javier is our guy, no doubt," said Emilio Sanchez, one of the many who have made the journey to Vegas. "He's got a tough road ahead of him during the regionals so he'll need as much support as possible. We're gonna give it to him." The clash between Norris and Aguirre figures to be one of the highlights of the first week of action in the IBL and is not to be missed. * (to be continued) __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond...