Manny Pacquiao to host Island Rumble in the Cayman Islands

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 10 November 2016

8-time world champion Manny Pacquiao (courtesy Facebook @MannyPacquiao)

It’s been the worst kept secret on the local sporting scene but official confirmation has come that boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will travel to the Cayman Islands to host the Island Rumble Boxing Challenge on 7 January, 2017.

The announcement was made Managing Partner of CMG Events, Matthew Leslie, on Thursday, 11 November, 2016 at a press conference to officially launch the event, one of the largest ever to be held on these shores. It will be held at Camana Bay’s Festival Green.

“We have finalized the contract and are moving forward with a major sporting event in supporting of the PPM government’s initiative on sports tourism here in the Cayman Islands,” Mr Leslie told journalists.

CMG Events Managing PArtner Matthew Leslie (left) makes the announcement. Looking on is Burps Sing Rai of sponsors SDKA International.

CMG Events Managing Partner Matthew Leslie (left) makes the announcement. Looking on is Gurps Sing Rai of sponsors SDKA International.

Pacquiao, 37, came out of a brief retirement to win the WBO world welterweight title over Jessie Vargas last weekend. Widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, ‘Pac Man’ is immensely popular and his presence is expected to be a big hit not only to boxing fans but to the members of the local Filipino community.

Details of the fight card are still being finalized but it is expected to have as many as nine bouts and will feature fighters from the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Among the headlining boxers will be the undefeated and rising middleweight star, Luis Arias.

“This event will see a contingent of other sporting celebrities and international entertainment celebrities that we will announce over the course of the next few weeks,” Mr Leslie said.

On hand for the announcement was Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden. “This will be one of the most high profile sporting events to be held locally in recent memory, and as Minister for Sports, I am delighted that government is partnering in what promises to be an event that will further cement the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a first class sports tourism destination,” he said.

Dep. Premier Moses Kirkconnell, CIABA President Ann-Marie Byrd, Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden, Matthew Leslie, Burps Sing Rai, boxing coach Ryan Barrett, and Shomari Scott of Health City Cayman Islands.

Dep. Premier Moses Kirkconnell, CIABA President Ann-Marie Byrd, Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden, Matthew Leslie, Gurps Sing Rai, boxing coach Ryan Barrett, and Shomari Scott of Health City Cayman Islands.

“In welcoming Manny Pacquiao to the Cayman Islands in January, we are glad to show that we continue to punch above our weight in attracting the brightest and best that the sports world has to offer,” Minister Bodden added.

Cayman Islands Amateur Boxing Association President, Ann-Marie Byrd said it was a pleasure to be involved. “I think we are more excited than anyone else,” she said.

“This event is going to be such an inspiration for our young kids. Being alongside someone like Manny Pacquiao, meeting him, being in the ring with him, it’s going to be so inspirational for them. We have young kids, 16-17 years old, fighting on that night and words can’t express how tremendous this is going to be for us,” the CIABA President added.

Among the local boxers to feature on the night will be top light heavyweight Dariel Ebanks. Head coach of the Cayman Islands National Boxing Team, Ryan Barrett indicated this would be a showcase of the fighter’s talents. “Dariel will be the star of the show,” he declared.

Barrett, a former pro fighter, said the local boxers will relish the opportunity to be on such a big card, noting the experience will stay with them for the rest of their careers.

Looking on with anticipation (l-r): Dariel Ebanks – boxer, Donie Anglin – trainer, Dan Hewitt-Dean – boxer.

While on island, the Filipino superstar will break ground a new boxing gym at the Haig Bodden Sports Complex in Bodden Town. He will also be visiting Health City Cayman Islands. The ring being brought in for the event is being sponsored by SDKA International, a Dubai-based commodities firm. After the event, the ring and other equipment will be donated to government for use in the new boxing gym.

“Being a part of this event is literally in the mantra of our company. We believe in human elevation,” said the chairman of SDKA International, Gurps Singh Rai. “This gym is a way for people to escape from their daily troubles.”

The tourism marketing potential of the Island Rumble Boxing Challenge is vast and Tourism Minister, Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell expects to capitalize on having it here.

“The event itself will be billed globally, not only as the first time Senator Pacquiao has visited the region but the first time an event like this has been showcased in the Cayman Islands,” Mr Kirconnell said. The Filipino boxer serves in his country’s Senate.

He noted that it is being held at a time when there is usually a brief dip in stay-over visitors just after New Year’s and should add a bump to arrivals. Mr Kirkconnell was also quick to note that a visit to Cayman Brac is also being planned for Pacquiao’s itinerary.

While it’s understood that admission will run into four figures on the top end, Mr Leslie said tickets will start at $25 and be on sale soon.