KIEV, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 56th annual convention of the World Boxing Council (WBC) kicked off here on Monday with a participation of about 700 high-ranked guests, authorities said.

The press service of Kiev City State Administration said that boxing champions, judges, promoters and managers from 166 countries and regions participate in the meeting.

Mauricio Sulaiman, the President of the WBC, as well as boxing icons Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis attend the event.

The meeting, which is hosted by Ukraine for the first time, will last until Oct. 5.

It will feature professional discussions and workshops, boxing competitions, and an exhibition of the WBC championship belts.