(Beijing, November 19) On November 19, a press conference for the 2007 International Boxing Invitational Tournament was held at the Beijing Workers' Indoor Arena by the event organizing committee, with the attendance of Ching-Kuo Wu, President of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Rudel Obreja, AIBA Vice-President and Technical Delegate to the event, Terry Smith, Chairman of the AIBA Refereeing and Judging Commission and Technical Delegate to the event, Chang Jianping, AIBA Vice-President and President of the Chinese Boxing Association, and AIBA Executive Director Ho Kim.

In his speech at the press conference, Ching-Kuo Wu said the 2007 International Boxing Invitational Tournament, a test event for next year's Olympic Games, is of great significance, as the experience gained through the overall operation of the venue and its supporting facilities, transportation and medical services will help secure the successful hosting of the Beijing Games.

Commenting on the venue of the event, the AIBA chief described it as an ideal venue for boxing competition. It is close to downtown Beijing and has a seating capacity of 13,000. In his words, "I have never seen such a large venue for boxing."

Both Rudel Obreja and Terry Smith, the two technical delegates to the event, showed their satisfaction with the organization of the event. They hoped that everything will be OK in the following days and problems in some minor aspects will be solved soon. 

CBA President Chang Jianping said he was glad that through the event the local organizers have got to know where to improve so that the 2008 Olympic Games will be held without a hitch.

AIBA Executive Director Ho Kim hoped that through joints efforts of all parties concerned the Beijing Olympic Games will be more successful than the previous editions.