2024 World Gay Boxing Championships announced for Chicago with Two LGBTQ+ Trailblazers

Following its triumphant inaugural event earlier this year at Sydney World Pride, the World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) will make its return in 2024. The event has this week been announced that it will be held at Strong Hands Gym in Chicago, coinciding with Chicago Pride from 22-23 June 2024.  

The second World Gay Boxing Championships will be spearheaded by two LGBTQ+ trailblazers, founder Martin Stark and Out100 fighter Diego La Valle Cevallos-Garzon bringing the unifying power of boxing to one of the largest and most popular pride events in the United States. 

Diego La Velle Cevallos-Garzon is the owner of Strong Hands Gym, which proudly bills itself as the first LGBTQ+ gym in Chicago. Cevallos-Garzon features in this year's Out 100 list, the longest-standing large-scale list recognizing LGBTQ+ people for their achievements, accomplishments, and impact on culture and society. Diego is a Black gay man who has won over 111 amateur fights and nationally ranked 19th. He created a safe space for people across a spectrum of marginalized identities, including LGBTQ+ people, disabled individuals, and people of color. 

World Gay Boxing Championships founder Martin Stark delivered the world's first boxing competition for the LGBTQ+ community and allies as part of last February's Sydney World Pride. Cevallos-Garzon and Stark are organizing next year’s event to inspire positive change in boxing and get more rainbow people involved in the sport, whether that be as participants or fans.  

Stark says "I am excited about partnering with Diego and holding WGBC at Strong Hands Gym in Chicago. It exemplifies the heart and spirit of both boxing and the LGBTQ+ community welcoming all. I am thrilled the Championships are taking to the United States and can't wait to see sporting history happen there!" 

More information about the second World Gay Boxing Championships will be released in the coming months.