Kelly Morgan blog: Meeting the WBC family
Thursday 28 January 2016 17:13, UK
Boxer Kelly Morgan - one of the top five women middleweights in the world - is attending the WBC Convention in Tijuana, Mexico. Here, in the first instalment of her blog, Kelly arrives, settles in and meets some of her fellow delegates.
It's our first day today after landing last night in San Diego. From the airport Rich (Richard Farnan, trainer) and I took a 30-minute drive over the border into Mexico and onto Tijuana city.
We shared our lift with Misty Williams, from Colorado who works for the WBC Youth Programme. The programme is in place to transition boxers from juniors into the adult ranks and is a great stepping stone in the careers of young boxers.
It is immediately evident that the WBC are very much a family. They're passionate about managing and progressing their boxers: juniors and adults - male and female.
Most boxers and guests have been arriving today - we have spent time settling in, taking a look around and finding our feet.
We blew away some cobwebs and stretched travel-heavy legs with a run around town plus some pad work. Running through the streets being chased by the beautiful smells of fresh Mexican street food was simply food torture but we had a steady session and woke up our brains and bodies.
Eleven WBC world champions from seven different countries arrived today in addition to Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali's wife, who is here to be recognised for her humanitarian work.
This evening was the first official event which was a 'meet and greet' with boxers, officials, trainers, managers, promoters and press all mixing in the hotel foyer.
I met with a number of the top women in boxing - helped by Raja Amasheh, the WBC Silver Flyweight champion, who is a font of knowledge and gave me the lowdown on many in attendance including three of the leading females:
Martha Salazar, the WBC heavyweight champion of the world and a supporter of three minute rounds for women.
Mikaela Lauren, the WBC super-welterweight champion of the world who came to boxing after a 22-year career as a swimmer.
Shivana Inalsingh, WBA chairwoman who is a guest at this convention.
It was also a huge honour to also meet the WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman.
In just one evening I met so many people with whom I have so much in common - they made me feel very much a part of the 'WBC family'. I can't wait for the next few days!
Find out more about Kelly at www.kellymorganboxing.co.uk
