‘We’re very grateful’
JBB pleased with fan turnout, Melissa relief donations
Published:Tuesday | December 16, 2025 | 12:06 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
The pageantry of boxing was on full display during the Wray and Nephew Fight Night on Saturday at the Constant Spring Sports Complex as fans, old and young, danced along to the boxers’ walk-out music, cheered loudly for every blow struck and applauded the sportsmanship of boxing in the ring.
But behind it all was the spirit of resilience and unity as each patron in attendance represented another donation raised towards the relief efforts in western Jamaica.
Speaking with The Gleaner, Stephen ‘Bomber’Jones, president of the Jamaica Boxing Board (JBB), said he was pleased with the fan turnout over the weekend.
While he said that they are still collecting donations, he confirmed that they received a number of donations, which would go towards Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in western Jamaica.
“What I know is that they’re still collating everything that came in, but I can say we’re very grateful in terms of the support,” he said.
“A number of donations were made, so I know we definitely will be able to assist in some way, and this will not be a one-off. We’re not going to be comfortable until we know that everyone is comfortable.
“We did get the donations, both in cash and kind, but we’re still collating everything.”
The night saw a number of fights on display, with several amateur bouts and three professional fights.
In the amateur bouts, Suga Olympic scored two wins as Kashieve Nelson, and Sanji Williams scored wins in their fights.
The Montego Bay Gym also scored wins as their boxers, Lesburn Harvey and Mark Cunningham, won their bouts.
The YMCA’s Giancarlo Dujon, Carlos Dwayer of Hitbox, and Kevon McKenzie of LOCF were also among the night’s amateur winners.
Jones said it was an important night for the fighters as they closed out the year in front of fans cheering them on.
He said it was also especially important as it came weeks after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which had left the event’s staging in doubt.
“I was extremely pleased to see the fights because we weren’t sure if we would have the Fight Night, so to have that kind of turnout and that kind of support, it was important for the boxers to have that space and that platform to give them hope,” he explained.
“For the level of the fights we had, it was very pleasing to see for myself and the Boxing Board.”
Jones also said that the fan turnout on the night signalled to the JBB that there is still a major interest from Jamaican fans to come out and watch boxing events.
He said it was a great way to close out the year and it would be used as a launching pad for an even better 2026 calendar.
“It’s a great way to end the year, and we couldn’t have asked for any better. The platform is there, and the public is able to see the personalities that they will be able to support.”
“They are seeing the amateurs, who, we figure, in 2026 will be representing not just their communities but the country as well,” he continued.
“I think it is a great launch pad and a great platform for where boxing is and where we’re going to grow, so I think 2026 is poised to be one of the best years boxing has ever had.”