Former heavyweight fighter Dan Mullarkey from Darby announced this week that Upper Chichester has won a bid to host the 2023 national Golden Gloves of America tournament for the first in May 2023,  writes Jack McCaffery for the Daily Times.

Mullarkey, who has been a champion amateur, a manager, trainer, promoter, and gym owner, expects a major economic benefit to Delaware County from the week-long event.  

“Delaware County doesn’t get this kind of exposure. It is the 100th anniversary of the Golden Gloves. It is an Olympic qualifying year. And to bring it to Delaware County was important. It’s close to the whole tri-state area. There are plenty of hotels here, and restaurants. I say you are 20 minutes from the city and 20 minutes from Longwood Gardens. There are just so many things to see.”

He made the announcement recently at the Upper Chichester Recreation Center, joined by local officials and business owners.

The tournament will bring teams of competitors from all 50 states, requiring 1,800 room nights at Delaware County hotels, and is expected to be one of the most widely-attended events in recent county history.

Read more at the Daily Times about the national Golden Gloves of America tournament.