Night of the Champions in the land of the Red Dragon

By James Blears

A couple of the driving forces for this coming July’s "Night of the Champions Two," to be held in Cardiff, have traveled all the way to Mexico City to fly the flag of the Red Dragon.

David Walker who’s one of the principal organizers of this boxing galaxy, is accompanied by Film Director Neil Jones, who’s making the movie entitled Risen, about the extraordinary and inspiration life of WBC Featherweight Champion Howard Winstone. It will premiere during the Night of the Champions-July 29th-31st. 

David and Neil outlined the plan of action to World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman, WBC Executive Director Mauricio Sulaiman and a packed press conference of journalists in downtown Mexico City.

The first Night of the Champions in Cancun, Mexico in 2006, was attended by more than 90 of the best boxers in the world, past and present. The aim this time around is to invite more than one hundred.

Events during the three days will include, and open top bus ride tour of the great city of Cardiff, Amateur Great Britain Boxing Team vs. the rest of the world, and the first screening of the film Risen.

The film shows Howard’s three epic battles against Mexican legend Vicente Saldivar. The role of Saldivar will be played by the three division world champion Erik Morales. The role of  Howard is played by actor Stuart Brennan who’s trained for almost five years with Joe Calzaghe’s Father Enzo, to prepare for the role. Other parts in the film will be played by former boxers including: Joe Calzaghe, John H Stracey, Richie Woodhall, Robin Reid, Marcus Beyer, Glen Catley, Leon Spinks and Tim Witherspoon.

Howard’s career was all the more incredible, because he lost the tops of three fingers on his right hand as a teenager in a factory accident, and had to radically adapt his style to compensate for a setback, which overcame and triumphed.  With another touch of authenticity and attention to detail, the boxing equipment Cleto Reyes have hand made the exact type of glove which was used in the 1960’s to be worn in the filming of the fight scenes.

Night of the Champions Two is also being coordinated by Cardiff’s local Authorities. Funds raised will be used in a Legacy Project to help young people via life, education and sports courses.