After 31 months without a single fight night on Island, several local boxers can now look forward to entering the ring this December for the ‘Clash in Cayman’ extravaganza.
The mega event, that many suggest could be the biggest ever held in Cayman, will be headlined by England’s Matt Windle defending his Commonwealth light flyweight title against fellow Englishman Craig Derbyshire at the Lions Centre on 8 Dec.
Fightzone’s Steve Crump noted in a press release that the event has the potential to put Cayman in the global spotlight with Fightzone TV broadcasting the show, along with other media channels streaming the event, that could see millions of viewers tune in.
“It’s exciting to be making history by staging the island’s first Commonwealth title fight – which is guaranteed to be a barnstormer,” Dennis Hobson, a promoter under the Fightzone platform, stated in the release. “I’ve worked with both Windle and Derbyshire previously and – believe me – they are two little guys with big hearts who will put it all on the line.”
Those watching and in attendance will have to wait for the main course ‘barnstormer’ as seven other professional bouts will be featured prior with athletes representing the US, Canada, UK, Philippines and more, as well as the undercard with three amateur fights – in which Cayman boxers will be involved.
The card, put on by GBH Promotions, in association with Fightzone and Fight Academy, will also welcome prospects Eric Moon and Sabri Faruk, who will have boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. backing them.
“I have great affection for Grand Cayman,” Hobson said. “I just love the place and the people and have wanted to stage a boxing show here for many years – so I’m delighted that it’s finally happening.”
A trio of Cayman fighters – Jaden Eccleston, a two-time Caribbean champion, Alec Lopez from the Performance Lab, and Geno Brown from the D. Dalmain Ebanks Gymnasium – are, hoping to punch their way to victory, especially as they will be enjoying a home-crowd advantage.
While Eccleston and Lopez have competed several times within the past year, Brown hasn’t boxed since March 2021 when he won via doctor’s stoppage against Chad Powell. That was the last time a local fight night was held in Cayman.
“The sport has been hampered by a lack of competition, and under [Cayman Island Boxing Association]’s governance, we’re confident we can host boxing events that highlight local clubs,” Alva Suckoo, president of CIBA, said.
“We eagerly anticipate witnessing our Caymanian boxers share the stage with several riveting professional bouts, including title fights. This event promises to rekindle the spotlight on boxing in the Cayman Islands.”
The Clash in Cayman will also help assist CIBA raise funds in the hopes of returning Cayman boxing to its glory days. Barry Bodden, Hobson’s Cayman business partner for the event, will also be at the forefront in helping CIBA.
“My focus, from a business as well as personal level, has always been to support youth and sports in the Cayman Islands,” Bodden said. “Through a partnership with [CIBA], we will be proudly showcasing some of their talented young Caymanian fighters and will raise funds to help support the great work that CIBA does for our local amateur boxers.
“The goal is for this show to be the first of many and the start of something truly ground-breaking for the Island.”
Related Videos
