Bulgaria welcomes Ukrainian boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko
Sports Minister of Bulgaria Encho Keryazov held a meeting with Ukrainian boxing legend and former undisputed heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko in Sofia, the Sports Ministry said.
During the meeting, the participants discussed current issues related to the development of boxing, as well as the Bulgarian capital's upcoming hosting of the European Elite Boxing Championships, which will take place from September 15 to 26 at Asics Arena, CE Report quotes BTA.
"It is an honour for Bulgaria to welcome one of the most prominent figures in world boxing. As an ambassador of this sport, you play a key role in its development and promotion worldwide. Your presence here is of immense importance and serves as an inspiration to young athletes," Keryazov said.
He stressed that Bulgaria has a rich tradition in the sport and has produced numerous great champions, while the Bulgarian Boxing Federation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to organise competitions of the highest standard.
"I am convinced that the upcoming European Championships will provide an excellent opportunity for our country to further strengthen its position as a host of major international sporting events. Championships of this kind inspire young people to choose sport and pursue their dreams because they give them the chance to meet their idols and draw inspiration from the very best. It is extremely important to me that children take up sport. Sport instils discipline, respect and responsibility, and it also has the power to bring people together," the Minister added.
Klitschko noted that boxing enjoys considerable popularity in Bulgaria. He recalled his bout against Kubrat Pulev in Germany in 2014, when the arena was filled with Bulgarian flags, demonstrating the country's strong interest in the sport.
Also attending the meeting were European Boxing Secretary General Martin Volke, Bulgarian Boxing Federation President Krasimir Ininski, and manager Alexander Krassyuk.
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