Saint Lucia’s elite boxers, John Didier and Kyle Marcel, have been selected to represent their nation at the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships. The prestigious event, scheduled for December 2-13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will feature a staggering total prize pool of USD$8.32 million, with winners earning $300,000 and fifth-place finishers taking home $10,000. The announcement was made by the Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA), which hailed this as a landmark achievement for the country, placing it on one of the most celebrated stages in global boxing. The championships will be held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium and are part of the inaugural IBA ‘Festival of Boxing,’ a 12-day celebration of the sport. The SLBA attributed this opportunity to Saint Lucia’s unwavering loyalty to the IBA and its active role in promoting boxing across the Caribbean and within the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC). Despite the IBA’s controversial status—having been stripped of recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 due to corruption and financial transparency issues—Saint Lucia has remained a committed member. In contrast, nations like Barbados and Grenada have shifted allegiance to the rival World Boxing organization to secure Olympic pathways for their athletes. The SLBA emphasized that the inclusion of Didier and Marcel underscores the benefits of consistent support, strategic development, and international collaboration. Both athletes recently showcased their prowess at the Open International Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe, with Didier securing gold and Marcel earning silver. The 2025 championships are anticipated to draw top-tier boxers and global audiences, providing Didier and Marcel with a unique platform to demonstrate their skills and proudly represent Saint Lucia.