Bogotá to host ‘Night of Champions’ during 38th WBO Convention

Colombia’s Laura Wollenmann, left, the WBO international flyweight (112 lbs) champion and current world No. 3, engages in a staredown with former unified world champion Gabriela Celeste Alaniz of Argentina as part of an Oct. 29 fight card in Bogotá tied in with the WBO Annual Convention.

Undefeated Elise Soto of Carolina to fight on undercard

By THE STAR STAFF

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced earlier this week that the Colombian capital will host the “Night of Champions” as part of its 38th Annual Convention, which will take place Oct. 27-31.

“For the WBO, it is an honor to hold this major event in Bogotá, a vibrant city that welcomes us with its culture, hospitality, and passion for boxing,” WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel said in a written statement. “The ‘Night of Champions’ will be an occasion to pay tribute to the greatness of our boxers and share our organization’s legacy with the world.”

The seven-bout boxing card on Oct. 29 at Agora Convention Center will include Carolina’s Elise Soto (8-0, 7 KOs), who is managed by WBO Featherweight Champion Amanda Serrano, taking on Flor Rodríguez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Colombia for the vacant WBO NABO featherweight (130 lbs.) title over eight rounds.

The event will bring together world champions, former champions, and prominent figures from the boxing world in a gala that will precede the official convention proceedings. Sports personalities, business leaders, government officials and representatives of international boxing organizations are expected to attend.

The convention will also include panel discussions, technical seminars and community activities, with the goal of further strengthening the sport and supporting the development of young boxers.

According to the organizers, the presence of delegates from more than 30 countries will also represent a significant economic and tourism impact for the Colombian capital.