CHICAGO (CBS 2) - Chicago is putting its best "fist" forward Monday, as it plays host to the world's best boxers.
The World Boxing Championships provide Chicago with a "test run" for its Olympic dreams in 2016.
CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports that these world class athletes already like what they see in our city so far.
The Palmer House Hilton is hosting the world; it is headquarters for the 700 boxers, their trainers and managers.
Later Monday, they'll be treated like champions when they participate in a parade down State Street and opening ceremonies that will have an Olympic flair.
The boxers hail from 120 different countries. Today they were all boarding buses that took them to the UIC Pavilion for light training sessions.
The athletes say they are adjusting to travel and time differences. Many say Chicago could be a good host for the future Olympics.
Flyweight European bronze medalist Mumin Veli, from Macedonia, is hoping to win a spot in the 2008 Olympics. He's in Chicago for the very first time.
"The people is nice. The organization is very good. I think there is hope for the Olympic Games," Veli said.
Trainer Steve Mitchell, of New Zealand, said, "Everybody's really friendly. I'm impressed by the amount of security personnel around, the police on the street. The place is nice and tidy … I'm very impressed."
Organizers hope to knock the boxers out with nighttime light displays. They're also hoping to win a decision from the 20 International Olympic Committee members in attendance. Those are the people who will pick the host of the 2016 Olympics.
That parade leaves the hotel at 4 p.m. and goes north on State Street to the Chicago Theatre for the private opening ceremony.
State Street will be closed between Monroe and Wacker and Lake Street will be closed between Dearborn and Wabash from 2:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Suggested alternates include Wells and LaSalle Streets
Matches start Tuesday and run through November 3.
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