Cayman to host boxing star’s ‘rumble’
Manny Pacquiao
(CNS): Boxing fans are said to be in for a spectacular event in the New Year following the announcement that a legend of the sport will be hosting a major bout in Cayman. Local fighters will be taking part in an international competition with boxing star Manny Pacquiao when he hosts the “Island Rumble”. Part of a sports tourism initiative, the popular 37-year-old Filipino boxer, who came out of a brief retirement to win the WBO world welterweight title earlier this month, is expected to draw in the crowds for the nine-fight bout.
Matthew Leslie, representing the sports company organising the event, said the “rumble” would take sports tourism to the next level in Cayman. The card includes Luis “Cuba” Arias, a middleweight contender from the US, and amateur boxers from Cayman, Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, the US and the Philippines are also expected to fight.
Main sponsor SDKA International, a company recently incorporated in Cayman, is donating $100,000 in equipment, including a new boxing ring, for the fight which will take place at Camana Bay.
“As a Caymanian businessman I will always seek to encourage foreign investors to not only invest in Cayman for the money and benefits but also to invest in our people and build our human capital and their talent,” Leslie said as the fight was announced.
The website for the 2017 Island Rumble will be launched at noon on Friday, 18 November, officials said.
“when he hosts the “Island Rumble””
Wasn’t this the name of a similar mixed martial art event? Great to see local fighters getting an opportunity to perform! Here’s to hoping they are each being compensated for doing so…