The AIBA President Dr. Ching Kuo Wu expressed his excitement at the forth coming 1st AIBA Youth World Championships which starts on Saturday in the complex gymnastic of "Unidad Deportiva" López Mateos at the official opening press conference on Friday. 

"The AIBA Youth World Championships Guadalajara 2008 is the launch of a new career for many boxers towards the professional stage," Dr. Wu said. "AIBA celebrates the inauguration of this new competition in order to revive the sport of boxing at this level and illustrate the improvements that have been made. Youth boxing is a breeding ground for the birth of new world champions, Olympic heroes and the future stars of tomorrow."

President of the Mexico federation Mr. Ricardo Contreras, in addition to thanking Dr. Wu and the Pan American Games director Mr. Carlos Andrade for their support, expressed delight at being able to host the event.

"The objective is looking towards obtaining medals at the London Olympics 2012 with a stopover in Guadalajara 2011. We have a dignified delegation that will represent us in 10 of the 11 categories," said the Mexican director.

Meanwhile the Mexican boxer Oscar Valdés (57kg) expressed optimism towards Mexico's chances in the championships. "We all punch hard and we can be in the finals. We are very pleased to participate in this championship and ready to give our best."

Also in attendance at the press conference was the Director of the Panamerican Guadalajara 2011 Carlos Andrade Garin, who emphasized the importance of this event on the eve of the Panamerican Games to be held in this city. "It is an excellent opportunity for the Panamericas. We'll provide to the athletes the best services in a position to enjoy this exciting tournament.

The draw for the championships will take place at 10:30 on Saturday followed by the first session at 14:00.