Fight Nights Platform Boosts Tevoy Barrett’s Path to the Olympics

Jamaican Boxer Tevoy Barrett Turns Childhood Struggles Into Boxing Dreams. "I used to be in a lot of fights, so I found something to channel the aggression - and I fell in love with boxing," Barrett shared. He is set to compete at the next Wray & Nephew Fight Nights, scheduled for September 27.

J. Wray & Nephew Ltd’s Marketing Manager, Pavel Smith, presents Tevoy Barret with his medal

Tevoy Barrett has big boxing dreams, determined to turn what was once seen as a weakness into his greatest strength as he aims to leave a lasting legacy in Jamaica.

He made his Wray & Nephew Fight Nights debut in June at the Portmore Sports Complex in St. Catherine, where he represented Sugar Olympic Gym in the Middleweight division.

Barrett began his boxing journey in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago as an 18-year-old after migrating to be with his mother as a 15-year-old. But even before he was formally introduced to the sport, Barrett was already fighting. “My mom was living in Trinidad and I left Jamaica at 15. I saw a way that I could do boxing over there, so I did it,” the Jamaican talent shared. “I got started in boxing at the age of 18 in Trinidad and Tobago where I began competing. I won novice champion and Caribbean Championship a year later,” he added.

Growing up with a skin condition, Tevoy was often bullied in school—and he fought back. “Growing up in Manchester, I used to be in a lot of fights, so I found something to channel the aggression, and I fell in love with boxing,” he explained.

Barrett’s boxing career started humbly in Trinidad, an experience that taught him to value every opportunity that came his way. His journey continues as he steps into the professional ranks, having last competed at the Olympic qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Games before making his Fight Nights debut.

“The Olympic qualifiers were like a dream come true. Getting to go out there and compete is always something that I wish to do. It was pretty hard, the JBA wasn’t able to support us in the way we would like. It was short notice to go to Thailand, so I lost in the first round and didn’t make it to the Olympic Games,” Barrett elaborated.

"The Olympic qualifiers were like a dream come true. Getting to go out there and compete is always something that I wish to do"

“My ultimate boxing dream is to have a career in the sport. I want to be an Olympic Champion for Jamaica and then become a professional and become a world champion,” the soft-spoken big man resonated.

Felipe Sanchez, who manages Barrett, is deeply impressed by his fighter’s mindset. “When I think of Tevoy Barrett, I think of dedication, discipline and the Olympic dream. He saw the possibility of making the Jamaican team, and he came to the national championships and won in January of 2024, and left everything behind in Trinidad to pursue his dream of Boxing.”

Barrett may have missed out on Olympic qualification, but his journey continues. With his first child due in November, he’s hoping for double celebrations when he steps into the ring for his next Fight Nights bout - a hometown showdown. “The next fight will be at Cling Cling Oval in my hometown, so I am definitely looking forward to representing my community very well,” he expressed.

“When I think of Tevoy Barrett, I think of dedication, discipline and the Olympic dream.”

Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Brand Manager, Kerry-Ann Bryan, said Barrett’s story mirrors the spirit of the Fight Nights series. “Wray & Nephew Fight Nights is about more than boxing, it’s about resilience, passion, and giving young athletes a platform to shine. Tevoy’s journey, from overcoming challenges to chasing his Olympic and professional dreams, embodies what this series is all about, and we’re proud to stand behind him and the wider boxing community.”

The next Wray & Nephew Fight Nights will be held on September 27 at Cling Cling Oval in Olympic Gardens.