After a brief hiatus, the highly anticipated Wray & Nephew Fight Night series is set to make its triumphant return on June 28 at Ferdie Neita Park in Portmore, St. Catherine. The popular boxing showcase, staged through a partnership between Wray and Nephew and the Jamaica Boxing Association was officially launched Tuesday at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records in Kingston.
The 2024 edition kicks off with an action-packed fight card featuring two headline professional bouts and eight amateur contests across five weight divisions — Welterweight, Light-welter, Middleweight, Light-heavyweight, and Cruiserweight — including one female bout with international representation from the Cayman Islands.
The event marks the continuation of a three-year collaboration between Wray and Nephew and the JBA, which last staged four fight nights in 2023.
Brand Manager at Wray and Nephew, Kerry Ann Bryan, welcomed the return of the series, highlighting the brand’s ongoing commitment to sport and community development.
“We are just excited to be part of yet another special season of Wray and Nephew Fight Nights,” Bryan said. “It’s amazing to see the growth and development of these boxers, and we invite fans to come out, enjoy some Wray and Nephew specials, and have a great time.”
Bryan added that Wray and Nephew sees boxing as a critical avenue for youth advancement and national pride, especially as Jamaica sets its sights on the 2028 Olympic Games.
“We believe in community involvement and the development of players. Whether through training support or upgrading gyms, we are committed to helping however we can. That’s what brought us back on board,” she said.
Boxing Board President Stephen “Bomber” Jones was equally enthusiastic, emphasizing the evolution of the series as a platform for the island’s elite boxers.
“Fight Night is back and we’re excited,” Jones declared. “It represents the culmination of our monthly shows where we separate the cream of the crop. Fight Night is our flagship programme, showcasing the best talent Jamaica has to offer while continuing to build through our Futures Programme.”
National coach Felipe Sanchez, who curated the matchups, promised an adrenaline-filled night for boxing fans.
“This is the best of the best from across the island,” Sanchez said. “The card is the result of months of local competitions. And with Wray and Nephew involved — they are the spirit of the sport — the energy, the DJs, and the dancing girls between rounds make boxing in Jamaica truly unique.”
One of the featured professional bouts will see seasoned fighter Juzier “Iron Man” Heron take on Dwayne Lawrence of the Sanchez Promotion Gym. Heron, confident and direct, said he’s prepared for any scenario.
“It all depends on how he comes. If he’s a southpaw, I’ll adjust. If he gasses quickly, I’ll finish him quickly. It’s not complicated,” said Heron. “Can I beat him? One hundred per cent.”
Lawrence, however, has his own plan for victory.
“I just want to box him on the outside, work the body, then get back out and regroup,” he said. “I’m not rushing anything. If the knockout comes, I’ll take it.”
With a thrilling card, vibrant atmosphere, and community focus, Wray & Nephew Fight Night promises to be a knockout evening for fans and fighters alike.
