'Big 12' Brown a special guest at tonight's 'Fight Nights'
Published:Saturday | October 7, 2023 | 12:07 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer -
Jamaica's world heavyweight title prospect Ricardo 'Big 12' Brown will be a patron at the third staging of the Wray & Nephew Fight Nights boxing series set for this evening at the Ebony Vale Community Centre in Spanish Town.
Brown, a Spanish Town native who resides in Canada, has had a remarkable year winning his five fights by knockout, stretching his professional record to 9-0 and he is eager to see the new local talent that will be on show.
"I will be there," he declared when The Gleaner caught up with him at the 'Fight Nights' weigh-in at SureTime Medical yesterday.
"I want to see these great Jamaicans who have put out the hard work. I will be there supporting them no matter what. I know there are going to be some tough matches.
"But all of them are my friends, so I am just going there to watch and support," Brown said.
The 2019 Pan American bronze medallist and Olympian is deeply rooted in local boxing and after much dormancy in the sport domestically, he praised the new series for giving local boxers the opportunity to express themselves once more and to aspire for greater things.
"I am happy to see the fighters back in the gyms working hard and getting fights. I am so happy to see that. I want to see the best for them. Just like how I went out and did my roadwork. I just want that for them, so they can go to the Olympics, the World Games and and turn pro soon.
"It is just to get them the right fights and once they put in that work, they will be good to go," he commented.
Brown's promoter Tyler Buxton of United Boxing Promotions is also pleased to see a national boxing competition where local fighters can get regular and quality fights.
He also continues to look out for talent to sign up to his promotion to help them get to the next level.
"The platform for the amateurs and the pros is important. Contender was a huge hit. I enjoyed coming down and being a part of that.
"But the new transition and the new blood need to come up and get an opportunity. COVID-19 set some guys back in their careers and they just need to get going regularly and make that transition to the pros as soon as possible and we are looking to help out where we can," he said.
Meanwhile, Brown is appreciating the love, not only boxing fans but, that all have been showing him since his arrival.
"The feedback has been good. I love it. I love walking the streets. Coming through the airport I was feeling good because everyone was giving me a welcome. So I am happy to be here."
Meanwhile, reigning American Boxing Confederation Caribbean Champion and Sugar Gym boxer Sherikee Moore will highlight the first female bout to take place in the series. She is set to take on Shanika Gordon from the Jamaica Defence Force.
There will also be six professional and 10 amateur bouts as well.