Clash in Cayman Boxing Event

GBH Promotions, in association with Fightzone and Fight Academy, are delighted to announce that the Cayman Islands will be hosting an evening of unforgettable world-class boxing.   On December 8th, 2023, the Lions’ Centre will host CLASH IN CAYMAN, a major boxing tournament which promises to be an evening like no other with the raw excitement of professional boxing.

Headlining this unique card, from England, will be Birmingham’s Matt Windle defending his Commonwealth Light Flyweight Title against Doncaster’s Craig Derbyshire, in what promises to be an incredible fight between two fantastic professional boxers.  Also appearing on the exciting pro-am bill will be top amateur fighters from Grand Cayman, along with fighters from around the globe including the USA, Canada, UK, Philippines and more. 

The event will also welcome boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. who will be accompanied by two of his prospects, Eric Moon and Sabri Faruk, who will be fighting on the card.  With 3 amateur and 8 professional fights, this pro-am event promises to showcase some incredible boxing talent.

Fightzone, established in the UK in 2020 by prominent Sheffield businessman Steve Crump and globally-known fight figure, Dennis Hobson, is recognised as one of the world’s leading boxing platforms.  Hobson has been involved in the fight game for 30 years and is recognised internationally as one of the sport’s most prominent and influential figures.  He has operated at the very top of the industry and has been central to the careers of many high-profile world champions including boxing legend Ricky Hatton, former heavyweight ruler David Haye, and light-heavyweight king, Clinton Woods.

Despite being involved in mega-fights around the world, including promoting Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas to a global audience, Dennis says he is delighted to be working for the first time in Grand Cayman, and is hopeful this show will be the first of many, eventually leading to huge world title fight events being hosted on the island.

“I have great affection for Grand Cayman,” stated Hobson.  “I’ve visited on many occasions to catch up with my oldest school friend, Gary Gillatt,  who has lived there for many years.  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, now.

“Grand Cayman has its own proud history of boxing which we want to build on and grow.  Although there has been professional boxing in Cayman before, it’s exciting to be making history by staging the island’s first Commonwealth Title fight - which is guaranteed to be a barnstormer.  I’ve worked with both Matt [Windle] and Craig [Derbyshire] previously and - believe me - they are two little guys with big hearts who will put it all on the line on December 8th.

Fightzone’s Steve Crump, stated: “Fightzone has a huge reach and this is a fantastic opportunity to put Grand Cayman in the global spotlight.  As well as broadcasting the show on the Fightzone platform, we’ll also be streaming it across other media channels, with a potential total reach well into the millions.”

Local Cayman business partner to Hobson on the event - Barry Bodden is a well-respected local businessman who decided to get involved because of its potential for helping the local amateur boxing community along with raising the profile of the sport in Grand Cayman to a global audience.

“I’ve known Dennis for years,” explained Barry, “we’re good friends, but I’m also aware of how high profile he is in the professional boxing world. Dennis has done just about everything that can be done in the sport and I’m pleased that we’re finally working together to bring a night of great boxing to our island.

“My focus, from a business as well as personal level, has always been to support youth and sports in the Cayman Islands.  Through a partnership with the Cayman Island Boxing Association (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.”

President of the Cayman Islands Boxing Association, Mr. Alva Suckoo, has been a big supporter of Clash in Cayman from the beginning.

“The Cayman Islands Boxing Association is delighted to announce its support for, and participation in, this monumental event.  It marks the inaugural of numerous boxing events that will not only showcase professional boxers but also our home-grown talents.

“Our boxers have had limited local competitive opportunities since the easing of Covid regulations.  We’re optimistic that this event will kick-start a series of competitions, providing our boxers with the platform they need to step back into the ring.

“For the first time, we will also be featuring boxers from two local gyms, taking the initial stride towards one of our development goals: the registration of local competing boxing clubs.  The sport has been hampered by a lack of competition, and under CIBA’s governance, we’re confident we can host boxing events that highlight local clubs.

“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.

Tickets for this event will go on sale soon though www.ticketsplus.ky .  Stay tuned for more updates.