(CHICAGO, ILL.) – After traveling the world and facing hostile crowds in city after city, the U.S. boxing team enjoyed the feeling of hosting a major international event in the United States. The 2007 AIBA World Championships were officially announced open on Monday evening at the opening ceremonies in the legendary Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

The event kicked off with an outdoor parade down State Street, and fans lined the streets to cheer the athletes from all of the countries, but the United States delegation drew the loudest response. Chants of USA, USA, USA, were heard repeatedly as the team made the trek from the Palmer House to the Chicago Theatre. Heavyweight Deontay Wilder (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) enjoyed the honor of serving as flag bearer on his 22nd birthday.

The ceremony opened with remarks from several dignitaries including Chicago mayor Richard Daley, before a surprise announcement was made. 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist, professional World Champion and living legend Muhammad Ali was on hand at the event to show his support for the athletes from across the globe.

United States light heavyweight Christopher Downs (Fort Carson, Colo.) joined the welterweight from the Australian delegation in taking the Athletes’ oath on behalf of all the competitors. An outstanding show with music and dance from all areas of Chicago life closed the event.

Over 600 athletes made the journey to the United States to take part in the biggest AIBA World Championships event in history.

The United States team enjoyed every element of the Opening Ceremonies, but particularly the support they were shown as the exited the Palmer Hotel and marched down State Street.

The event draw will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and action will begin at 2 p.m. at the UIC Pavilion.

United States team quotes

Middleweight Shawn Estrada
It was wonderful; it was exciting to hear the American people cheer for us for the first time. I loved the show, it showcased the ethnicity of Chicago and the swagger they have here. I enjoyed it a lot.

Lightweight Sadam Ali
It was more than I expected, I know the team wasn’t expecting that. I know we wouldn’t get it anywhere else other than the United States. It feels good to hear people shout USA. It’s not really like that in other places. When we go to other countries, just the 15 people there with U.S. team shouting it.

Heavyweight Deontay Wilder
I thought it was great, the whole show was exciting. It was great to see everybody as one, singing and cheering. My favorite part was the presentation of Muhammad Ali. I can’t explain the feeling of carrying the flag and hearing people shout USA. It made me proud to represent the United States. It was a warm feeling to know that everyone is behind us and rooting for us. I know they expect big things from us and I feel like we are going to give it to them.

Featherweight Raynell Williams
It was amazing for this to be my first big international tournament, l loved it. Hearing everyone cheer for us made me want to box, I can’t wait to get in the ring.

Light flyweight Luis Yanez
I thought it was really fun; it was something really exciting that I’ve never seen before in my life. It was a pleasure seeing Muhammad Ali. Hearing the crowd was one of the greatest moments of my life. I think this is going to be a great tournament and having it here in Chicago is really exciting.


2007 AIBA World Championships Schedule
Tuesday, October 23: Preliminaries – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 24: Preliminaries – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 25: Preliminaries – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Friday, October 26: Preliminaries – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 27: Preliminaries – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 28: Preliminaries – 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Monday, October 29: REST DAY
Tuesday, October 30: Preliminaries (Round of 16) – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 31: Preliminaries (Round of 16) - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 1: Quarterfinals – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, November 2: Semifinals – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 3: Finals – 2 p.m.

United States Team
Light flyweight/106 lbs: Luis Yanez, Duncanville, Texas
Flyweight/112 lbs: Rau’shee Warren, Cincinnati, Ohio
Bantamweight/119 lbs: Gary Russell, Jr., Capitol Heights, Md.
Featherweight/125 lbs: Raynell Williams, Cleveland, Ohio
Lightweight/132 lbs: Sadam Ali, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Light welterweight/141 lbs: Javier Molina, Commerce, Calif.
Welterweight/152 lbs: Demetrius Andrade, Providence, R.I.
Middleweight/165 lbs: Shawn Estrada, Downey, Calif.
Light heavyweight/178 lbs: Christopher Downs, Fort Carson, Colo.
Heavyweight/201 lbs: Deontay Wilder, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Super heavyweight/201+ lbs: Michael Hunter, Las Vegas, Nev.
National Director of Coaching: Dan Campbell, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Coach: Mike Stafford, Cincinnati, Ohio
Coach: Willy Price, Cincinnati, Ohio
Team Manager: Joe Smith, Chattanooga, Tenn.
AIBA Official: Jim McNally, Severna Park, Md.
AIBA Official: Rich Neves, Pleasanton, Calif.
AIBA Official: Spencer Carpenter, West Branch, Mich.