Contender VIP had a vision – to create high a high end, boxing event and combine with first class entertainment, in a uber glamorous environment, all whilst hosting explosive boxing action. Being the first event, Contender VIP wanted the absolute wow factor and to create a unique and exciting evening for guests.
What better way to launch a high-end boxing event than with a very sophisticated spin on Vegas – the home of boxing!
We opened the show with cocktails, showgirls and bright lights. We chose an exclusive city centre hotel and invested heavily in production to differentiate this event from lower-budget white collar and small-hall boxing events.
Use of a video wall at the fighter’s entrance, behind the stage and around the ring created an impressive high-tech, professional look. We also used raised ring-walk, a variety of special effects, emotive and dramatic music and a luxe lighting package to make this an arena style production in a more intimate 450-person venue. The atmosphere was simply electric.
Entertainment was pop-up, scattered throughout at unexpected points throughout the night combining dance with live music and fire, rejecting the standard “dinner show” format and keeping guests on the edge of their seats.
The Contender VIP team made sure that the fights were well matched and exciting, whilst we ensured that the intricate timekeeping and regulatory elements expected from the British Boxing Board of Control were all in place and the boxing specific elements of the show were smooth running and satisfied board requirements.
After the boxing it was time to party! We showcased a modern DJ, live band with multiple vocalists and musicians. We encouraged interacting with the audience and really getting the party started!
Saving Grace Events also took care of the weigh-in event that preceded the live boxing event including hosting at a cool city centre location, fighter interviews, press conference, boxer management and media coverage.
The first night opened to rave reviews from both the boxing press, mainstream media and guests. The first event attracted 400 guests and the following event sold out at 450 guest capacity.
Saving Grace Events have been asked to undertake all of the Contender events, and we are very proud to be trusted by them. The 3rd Contender VIP event is due to almost double in size due to demand and will be held at a new venue to accommodate. Although Contender VIP is still in its first year, such is the success of the events to date, it now has an army of boxing fans, corporate supporters and sponsors such as Bentley, Manchester 235 and Speedy Freight. It is also supported by high profile boxing such as Ricky Hatton, Anthony Crolla and boxing pundit Steve Bunce. The future is bright…. The future is Contender VIP!
Rebecca has organised several events for me over the years, at Speedy Freight, and more recently, my first Boxing Gala Dinner for over 400 people, for a new venture, in the form of Contender VIP.
Rebecca is a consummate professional, and always under promises, yet massively over delivers. She is a perfectionist, with a ‘can do’ attitude, an unrivalled work ethic, and she’s extremely creative, dynamic, inspiring, and a great person to be around.
Saving Grace also offers a transparent approach with their fees, and everything they’ve done for me has been underpinned with honesty, and integrity.
Mike Le-Gallez
CEO, Contender VIP
Contender VIP
Sporting