The final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of the year delivered exactly what it promised – nonstop action, raw emotion, and emphatic performances -from just after 8:00 p.m. Saturday until well past midnight at the Constant Spring Football Field.
A large and appreciative crowd bore witness to a night where local boxers not only entertained, but asserted their quality with authority.
From professional showdowns to spirited amateur contests, the card unfolded with relentless pace, culminating in a dramatic finish that sent fans home buzzing about the future of Jamaican boxing.
Pro bouts set the tone
The professional fights showcased local talent at its sharpest. Jamaican boxers squared off against opponents from the Dominican Republic, emerging with a draw in one bout and a pair of decisive stoppages in the others.
The opening professional clash proved especially gripping, as two local debutants produced a thrilling contest that set the emotional temperature for the night and hinted at promising careers ahead.
Hylton announces himself on the pro stage
Veteran amateur Daniel Hylton made a powerful professional statement, stopping Demar Haslam in the fourth round at one minute and one second. The bout came to an end when Haslam signaled that he could no longer continue.
An elated Hylton reflected on the significance of the moment.
“Well this fight means a lot to me, knowing that I’ve been preparing so long. It means a lot to me, I’ve dedicated all my life to this sport and to start my professional career like this means so much. So I’ve been fighting for about 15 years now. You know my amateur record stands at 29 fights with 22 wins (and) seven losses, so it means so much.”
He added that patience and strategy proved decisive.
“So when I realized I caught him with the body shot and wear him down I know that I had the fight in control so I just had to finish.”
Iron Man tested in hard-fought draw
Undefeated Juzier “Iron Man” Heron faced stern resistance from Jonuary Moreta of the Dominican Republic, with the bout ending in a majority draw. Judges returned scores of 38-38, 39-37, and 38-38 after four closely contested rounds.
Referee Peter Richards was kept busy as both fighters repeatedly tied up at close range, leading to intense exchanges without either man gaining clear dominance.
Bowen ends the night with authority
The main event delivered the exclamation point. Jermaine “Crossbred” Bowen stopped the more experienced and older light heavyweight Elvis De La Rosa with just one second remaining in the second round of their scheduled six-round bout.
De La Rosa hit the canvas in both rounds, surviving referee Owen Nelson’s eight-count in the first before finally succumbing in the second at the 2:59-minute mark.
Bowen spoke passionately afterward about the win and what it represented.
“Well it did tougher than how mi did ah think. Mi affi give credit to him but otherwise mi put in di training, mi stay consistent and diss ah de end result. There’s always levels to this too so ah level weh we deh pon, consistency and it’s just a good victory tonight. We represent for Westmorland, weh damage by di storm – Landilo, Farm Pen, Savanna la Mar, yeah.”
He admitted the contest was not as straightforward as expected.
“Well, mi tink mi did a stop him inna di first round but him come out and him catch me wid couple good punches and me a seh well ‘him tough, him tough’ so mi affi give kudos to him because him perform good because me myself think say me would not stop him dat early.”
Amateur bouts bring depth and drama
The seven amateur contests were equally compelling, with boxers from multiple gyms posting victories and showcasing the depth of local talent. Newcomers Hitbox shared honors alongside established programs such as Suga Olympic, MoBay Gym, YMCA, and Hybrid.
The night opened with Gian-Carlo Dujon of YMCA earning his second career win over Nakia Palmer of Hitbox in a light heavyweight contest. Kashieve Nelson of Suga Olympic overpowered Martin McKenzie of Fit Like A Fighter Gym, while Carlos Dwyer of Hitbox defeated Hoshua Kidd of YMCA.
Lesburn Harvey of the MoBay Gym impressed with a high-energy performance against Joevar Hunt of G. C. Foster College, and fellow MoBay boxer Mark Cunningham earned a win over Ajani Williams of Fit Like A Fighter. Hybrid’s Kevon McKenzie outpointed Jaheem Morrison, and the final amateur bout saw Sanji Williams of Suga Olympic edge Kimarley Samuels of Hitbox by unanimous decision after a punishing exchange.
More than boxing: A night with purpose
One of the event’s organizers reflected on the broader meaning of the night.
“I think it was a fantastic night. I think the fights were great from the first fight to the last. I think the way Crossbreed ended the night was a perfect ending for the year and a great look for 2026.”
The card also carried special significance as a benefit for Western-based boxers and the YMCA in Savannah-la-Mar, both heavily affected by Hurricane Melissa. Patrons supported the cause through a unique entry initiative, bringing a tin of food or contributing $500, while VIP guests donated $5,000.
“I think it meant a lot, not to us, but to everybody,” the organizer said. “The significance of the card was just humongous. So I’m grateful.”
Strong support behind the scenes
In addition to title sponsor Wray & Nephew, the event received support from Doctors Cave Club in Montego Bay, Sandals Foundation, KFC, Knutsford Express, Ultra Medical Services, Good Life Water, Caledonia Outdoor Advertising, and partners Vere Events and the Kingston YMCA.
Together, they helped ensure a fitting close to the Fight Night calendar, one defined by intensity, unity, and hope for what lies ahead.
