“The Main Event is the best orchestrated, best organized, best overall event of its kind,” University of Washington boxing coach and WAC member Christopher Mendez says.
About 250 people attend each night, starting with a cocktail reception, dinner, and comedy in the Crystal Ballroom and continuing with a 10-bout boxing card in the 8th Floor gym, converted into a boxing arena complete with ring, bell and lights.
“People like to get dressed up and see boxing in an old-school fashion,” Athletic Programs Manager Darin Barr says.
Collegiate boxers from around the country also look forward to The Main Event, now in its 19th year. Hometown favorites from the University of Washington, coached by Mendez, take on contenders from the likes of Air Force Academy, UNLV, and USC. Two of the 10 bouts each night will feature female fighters.
“Those have become some of the fan favorites,” Darin says.
Coach Mendez considers The Main Event particularly special because of the talent it draws. “It’s an opportunity to showcase notable scholar-athletes from around the country,” he says.
The event also features great laughs. Comedian Jake Johannsen will perform on Friday, followed by David Crowe on Saturday.
“It’s an amazing combination of great dinner, high-profile comedians, and boxing,” Senior Vice President Athletics, Special Projects & Community Partners Wayne Milner says.
Put simply, it’s a knockout!
As published in the January/February 2016 issue of WAC Magazine.
