Razor Ruddock, James Toney to fight for Good Hope Primary

JAMAICA-BORN IBC and two-time Canadian heavyweight champion, Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock, has confirmed that he is fit and ready to face-off with recently inducted Hall of Fame World Champion James ‘Lights Out’ Toney, at Red Ground Productions’ inaugural boxing exhibition, ‘Rumble in the Sun’ set for Saturday, November 11 in Kingston.

Boxing fans can expect a night of action-packed bouts, as well as a number of special surprises. Part of the proceeds from the fight will be used to offset the cost of much-needed infrastructural enhancements to Ruddock’s alma mater, Good Hope Primary School in St Catherine, along with, provide support and resources for Jamaica Boxing Association’s (JBA) sport for development initiative, ‘Gloves Over Guns’.

“My whole reason for coming out of retirement and getting back into the ring is to assist my primary school in the Red Ground district and to help the youth development programme, ‘Gloves Over Guns’, eradicate violence.

“Good Hope Primary provided a solid foundation for me to excel in the world and now they need help to assist the future generations. Jamaica needs assistance with fighting the crime monster. It takes a village to help steer the youths away from a path plagued with guns and corpses and I am ready to support,” said the 59-year-old Ruddock.

EXCITED ABOUT THE MATCH

Toney is equally pumped about the bout, explaining, “This boxing match will be fun! I am excited to return to the ring and dance with another heavyweight great, Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock.”

Ruddock’s daughters, Kleopatra and Karese, who are spearheading his philanthropic efforts and coordinating the exhibition, have also expressed enthusiasm about the event, as well as the entertainment value it will bring to boxing lovers in Jamaica and around the world through pay-per-view streaming.

“We are thrilled to bring this incredible event to Jamaica, and it is a privilege to be given the chance to use this platform to invest in the next generation,” said Kleopatra, who is also the CEO of Red Ground Productions, the banner under which the event will be promoted.

“Not only is this an occasion to showcase some of the greatest boxers of all time, but it’s also a golden opportunity to highlight the beauty and hospitality of this amazing country. We are also excited to be working with the Jamaica Boxing Association to execute such a significant sport and entertainment event in Jamaica and for bringing hope to an institution that our father speaks so highly about,” she added.

Stephen Jones, president of JBA, welcomed the event saying, “This exhibition featuring giants of the sport in the likes of Donovan ‘Razor’ Ruddock and James ‘Lights Out’ Toney is not only a feat of the highest order, but one we endorse fully and are delighted to be a part of.

“There are youth today using boxing as a platform for personal development, social support and community cohesion and having them being able to witness such an event will further cement in their minds boxing as a vehicle for the way forward,” said Jones.

Triller Sports will serve as the official global marketing and distribution partner for this event. The Triller ecosystem brings a powerful umbrella of entities to the forefront, which will propel the pay-per-view buys, ticket sales, NFTs, digital collectibles and merchandise sales to new heights for Rumble in The Sun. Moreover, FITE by Triller is the premier digital platform for global sports and entertainment and has brought past success in producing and distributing Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr, which was one of the top-10-most purchased fights in PPV history.

“Triller Sports is honoured to be working in collaboration with Red Ground Productions to bring this event to life in the beautiful country of Jamaica,” said David Tetreault, President of Triller Sports.

“In November, two legends will return to the ring to fight for an incredibly great cause that will entertain and engage audiences worldwide with an unparalleled experience that combines heavyweight boxing with musical performances synonymous with the Triller brand.”