Sammy Retta, grand-nephew of Haile Selassie, at Monday night's press conference. - Michael SloleySAMMY 'Lion of Judah' Retta, the man purported to be the grand-nephew of Emperor Haile Selassie, will feature on a fight card here soon.
The 26-year-old Ethiopian, who resides in the United States, was among the guests at Monday's press conference held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel's Jonkanoo Lounge to launch the event. Also present was another member of the royal family, Lij Seifu Michael Zewde, who is married to one of the daughters of the late Emperor.
Retta is the son of East African boxer, Knife Retta. The young Ethiopian was that country's first world champion. His uncle, Seyfe Retta, won a silver medal for Ethiopia at the Moscow Olympics.
The card is being staged by Golden Globes Promotions, a New Jersey-based promotion company headed by Jamaican Everton Boland.
Though Monday's press conference was called to announce the details, it did not yield much in the way of information as a number of things were not finalised like the date of the event, the venue, the amount of fights on the card, amount in prize money and the fighters competing.
Retta's opponent is said to be Scott Dixon, a middleweight fighter from Philadelphia.
June 23 is the date tentatively set for the staging of the event. Before that, the date was May 19 then June 25. Among the venues looked at by the promoters so far are Mas Camp and the National Stadium.
An entertainment package, featuring local and foreign artistes, will accompany the card.
Local boxing has received severe blows in recent times with individuals, under the guise of wanting to promote the sport, staging events for personal benefit.
Promotions director Everton Boland is aware of the doubts but said all skepticism will be laid to rest on the day.
"We have been asked over and over whether or not we are in this for money but I want to put all fears to rest. We are for real. Our intention is to stage a top-class competition for Jamaicans to enjoy. Retta is a former IBO middleweight champion.
That's good stuff right there," he said.
"Boxers need help and we are going to do everything we can to help them. We are Jamaicans an we understand the struggle, but we will prove ourselves," he said.
Jamaica Boxing Board of Control executive member, Willie Yap, vouched for the promoters.
"I have travelled the world in the boxing and I can tell you they are for real."
Newly-elected board president Dr Glenton Smith said: "I am glad to know that yet another individual and company is interested in helping in the development of local boxing. I am hopeful that this will be for the benefit of the sport. We need all the help we can get."
WorldTron have committed themselves as one of the sponsors of the event.
