St Lucia’s finest punch their tickets to World Championships

CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC):

In a monumental coup for the island’s sports, two of St Lucia’s premier boxers, John Didier and Kyle Marcel, are set to storm the global stage.

The St Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) announced on Wednesday that the duo will represent the nation at the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai.

Scheduled for December 2-13 at the renowned Dubai Tennis Stadium, the championships are the crown jewel of the IBA’s inaugural ‘Festival of Boxing.’

The event boasts a staggering total prize pool of US$8.32 million, with winners claiming a life-changing $300,000 and even fifth-place finishers earning $10,000.

“This marks a significant achievement for St Lucia, positioning the nation on one of the most prestigious stages in world boxing,” the SLBA declared in a press release.

This golden opportunity, the association revealed, is a direct result of St Lucia’s steadfast alliance with the IBA and its proactive role in promoting the sport across the Caribbean and within the Americas Boxing Confederation.

This loyalty stands in contrast to nations like Barbados and Grenada, which have shifted to the rival organisation, World Boxing, following the IBA’s de-recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 over governance concerns.

“St Lucia’s continued partnership with the IBA and our dedication to the growth of boxing in the region have opened doors for our athletes,” the SLBA stated. “The inclusion of John Didier and Kyle Marcel at the 2025 World Championships is a testament to what consistent support, strategic development, and international collaboration can achieve.”

Didier and Marcel arrive on the world stage with impressive momentum. The pair recently showcased their talent at the inaugural Open International Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe in October, where Didier seized gold and Marcel secured a silver medal.