‘Breezy’ Richards faces US boxer on opening day of Fight Nights
Published:Saturday | July 1, 2023 | 1:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
American heavyweight boxer Stephen Kirnon will replace Omar ‘Crane’ Edmund on today’s opening night of the Wray and Nephew Fight Nights at Cling Cling Oval. Action starts at 6 p.m.
Edmund was down to face Jermaine ‘Breezy’ Richards in the feature professional fight on the card but he had to pull out after sustaining an injury.
Jamaica Boxing Board (JBB) president Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones noted that the change has not dampened spirits but has spiked interest as fans are more enthused to see a local boxer matching skills with an overseas opponent.
“We will not have ‘Crane’ because he pulled out because of injury. So we had to bring in a substitute from overseas.
“This new fighter will be one of many that will come here to fight. He will be the first to showcase his skills on the platform that we are offering for boxers who are launching their careers. So Kirnon will be the first in a line of overseas boxers that will be using the platform,” he noted.
The card will also feature seven amateur bouts.
A PART OF PREPARATIONS
“Our amateurs will have more activities because we will be having a show every six weeks. The idea is to have our elite amateurs competing as part of their preparations for international games.
“But most important, the professionals will have a base here and can eventually get a title shot.
“So boxers will now come to Jamaica to take on ‘Breezy’ or whoever we have. And we have the Chris Joys and the Tyler Buxtons (promoters), who have allegiance to Jamaican boxers, who now know they have a platform,” Jones said.
He added that expectation in the Olympic Gardens community has reached maximum levels and he anticipates a full turnout this evening.
“The community loves boxing and they have been asking for it. So I expect a full house,” Jones said.
The feature bout will now see Jermaine ‘Breezy’ Richards against Kirnon. In the amateurs bouts which begin at 6 p.m. Chevon ‘Rage’ Gordon fights Kevon McKenzie, Kirk Clarke faces Akeem ‘Dream’ Mignot, Kimarley ‘LG’ Marley opposes Delano ‘Macka’ McLaughlin, Vinroy Coke takes on Ian Flemming, Jahmari ‘Wata Man’ Frazer goes up against David ‘Dancing Bomber’ Barnaby, Calvin Mignot battles Joshua Kid and Juzier ‘Iron Man’ Heron opposes Darron ‘Avatar’ Weir.