The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has delivered a powerful statement of intent for the future of local boxing, announcing a JMD$5 million investment into the development of a national boxing gym — a move aimed at preparing the next generation of Olympic hopefuls for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Dubbed a “blowout” contribution, the funding will go towards transforming the National Gym into a high-performance training centre for Jamaica’s elite boxers and coaches, reinforcing the JOA’s commitment to elevating sports infrastructure across the island.

President of the Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA), Stephen Jones, hailed the initiative as a game-changer.

“The Jamaica Olympic Association's support is nothing short of game-changing for the sport of boxing in Jamaica,” Jones said. “This investment will breathe new life into our National Gym, provide critical backing for our National Olympic Squad, and significantly enhance the capacity and quality of our National Coaches.”

The JOA’s commitment goes beyond the ring. President Christopher Samuda emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of the facility, positioning it as the spiritual home of Jamaican boxing dreams.

“Aspirations need a home to grow, mature and come to fruition,” Samuda said. “And the Olympic gym will be home to those who are motivated to make history with their gloves and legacies with their punches.”

This investment is part of a broader JOA development strategy that began five years ago with the groundbreaking “Olympic Empower Coaches” Scholarships and a multi-million-dollar equipment grant. Boxing is among several sports that have benefitted from this holistic approach to athlete and coach development.

JOA Secretary General and CEO Ryan Foster underlined the long-term vision behind the funding.

“It’s simply a demonstration of JOA’s unwavering commitment to sport development and sporting excellence,” Foster noted. “We build, we equip, we invest and we empower, and boxing is the beneficiary of a decision taken early this year that dreams envisioned in the ring must be given every opportunity of materialising.”

The investment also comes on the heels of a series of historic international visits, including that of World Boxing President Boris van der Vorst, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons, and IOC President Thomas Bach in 2023 — signalling Jamaica’s growing stature in the global sporting arena.

For JBA President Jones, the impact of the JOA’s contribution goes beyond the bottom line.

“This isn’t just a financial contribution — it’s a lifeline and a launchpad,” he said. “It allows us to deepen our talent pool, expand our selection process, and ensure that the athletes who will carry our flag on the international stage are properly identified, trained, and supported. The JOA continues to be the driving force behind national sport development, and their belief in boxing will echo far beyond the ring.”

With gloves laced and eyes set on LA 2028, Jamaican boxing is gearing up for its biggest round yet — and the JOA has thrown the first punch.