Jackson is new boxing president

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 2 August 2017

There’s been a change of leadership with the Cayman Islands Boxing Association, as former vice president Leyla Jackson has been elected to the top post.

Jackson’s elevation came at an election for a new executive this week. The new vice president is Mike Laurenson, whose company Elite Marble and Granite is a major sponsor of the association.

“Boxing is such an important sport, in particular for youth at risk. It is so motivating to see how much boxing has grown in the Cayman Islands over the last 12 months. As such, it has become necessary to implement changes to accommodate growth.” said Jackson, who takes over from Ann-Marie Byrd.

She said boxers, technical officials and coaches took part in the election, which was held under the supervision of independent observers.

L-R: Mark Woollard, Leyla Jackson and Ann-Marie Byrd ringside at a fight in Jamaica.

Jackson used the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to boxing, and who continues to contribute. “In particular, the Ministry, the Olympic Committee, our sponsors, the outgoing board and Ms. Anne-Marie Byrd who has dedicated countless number of years to the development of this programme.”

The new president said discussions will be held with various stakeholders to finalise plans going forward.

However, Jackson indicated via message to CaymanSportsBuzz.com that a more significant presence at the Caribbean Boxing Development Tournament is among the things the association is looking to accomplish in the near future.

“I have spoken to the coaches, boxers and board and the biggest thing we are working towards, certainly for the rest of this year, is to take a large team including youth boxers to the CBDT in December,” she said.

Three boxers represented the Cayman Islands at the last tournament in December, where light heavyweight Dariel Ebanks won gold and Hopkin Ebanks won silver at youth welterweight. The other fighter at the Barbados tournament was teenager Alexander Smith.

Jackson promised further details of plans in the coming weeks. However, it appears national team coach Ryan Barrett will remain on the job despite indicating in recent weeks that he might have been leaving.