Selhurst Park Football Ground

Selhurst Park, located in the London suburb of South Norwood, has been the home of Crystal Palace Football Club since its inauguration on August 30, 1924. Initially designed by the renowned Scottish stadium architect Archibald Leitch, the stadium has undergone several renovations over the decades to enhance its facilities and accommodate a growing fan base. Currently, Selhurst Park boasts a seating capacity of approximately 25,486 and offers modern amenities such as hospitality suites, executive boxes, and accessible facilities for disabled supporters.
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While primarily serving as a football venue, Selhurst Park has also ventured into hosting other sporting events, including boxing. A notable event took place on June 15, 2024, when the stadium celebrated its centenary by staging a world title boxing match between WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith and challenger Richard Riakporhe. This event marked a significant moment in the stadium's history, showcasing its versatility beyond football.

The surrounding area of Crystal Palace has a rich boxing heritage, producing notable fighters such as Craig Richards. Born in nearby Croydon, Richards has made significant strides in the light-heavyweight division. He held the British title from 2020 to 2021 and challenged for the WBA (Super) title against Dimitry Bivol in 2021. His career reflects the area's ongoing contribution to British boxing.

Selhurst Park's foray into hosting boxing events underscores its adaptability and commitment to serving the broader sporting community. The successful staging of the Billam-Smith vs Riakporhe bout commemorated the stadium's 100-year legacy and highlighted its potential as a venue for diverse sporting spectacles in the future.?