On April 24, USA Boxing, the national governing body for U.S. amateur boxing hosted a special event at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills.

The event raised funds for the Olympic training of U.S. amateur boxing athletes, as they prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Unlike most countries in the world, the U.S. does not provide public funding for its Olympians and Olympic hopefuls.

The mission of USA Boxing is to support its athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character and to promote and grow Olympic-style boxing in the U.S. For more information on USA Boxing, its athletes and the preparations for London, visit www.usaboxing.org . The event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with athletes.

The evening featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a meet and greet with athletes.

Host committee attendees included Laila Ali, Evander Holyfield, Emanuel Steward, Michael Buffer, Larry Merchant, and more. At the event, Holyfield shared his insights and advice with the young Olympic boxing hopefuls while Laila Ali expressed her excitement for the first year Women’s Boxing will be included in the Olympic Games.

Other guests in attendance were Curt Menefee (Fox NFL Sundays, Showtime’s Showbox), former Olympic Gold Medalist boxer Henry Tillman, Olympic Gold Medalist boxer Paul Gonzalez, Olympic track athletes Leroy Dixon and Rodney Martin.

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