I-Fight promises ‘explosive boxing’ tomorrow

Boxing fans will be treated to what has been dubbed “a night of explosive boxing” by American promoter Chris Joy tomorrow night at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College on Old Hope Road in St Andrew.

Joy, who is the head of I-Fight Promotions, said at a media launch on Tuesday that his company has a long-term plan for boxing in Jamaica and that this promotion “is part of our goal to grow the sport here and give young boxers a chance to shine”.

Justin Mayweather, a brother of boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr, who is now embarking on a career of his own, will be one of the boxers on the card, and he will be facing another American, Clifford Gray.

All the fights will be over four rounds.

“This is something that works overseas, and I am bringing it to Jamaica,” Joy told The Gleaner. “We have these cards with emerging boxers, and they entertain spectators looking for a night of action. That is what we are bringing on Saturday.”

Jamaica Boxing Board President Stephen Jones endorses the card.

“It is looking at the future of boxing in Jamaica,” Jones said. “Chris Joy has been working with us for over four years, and a night like the one proposed is good for Jamaica’s boxing. He has put his money where his mouth is, and we welcome and support his efforts.”

Jamaica-born trainer Ian Forte, who has brought some of the participating boxers from his camp in Florida, said that although he has been away for some time, his heart is still here, and he is always happy to bring boxers to fight in Jamaica.

“We come to win, so those boxers going up against my boys better come prepared to fight,” Forte warned.