In a major shift for regional boxing, the 2025 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Invitational Boxing Championships will move to a new location – The Pavilion in Rodney Bay.
Set for August 1-3, this marks the first time the tournament will be held in Saint Lucia’s prime tourism hub, thanks to a partnership between the Saint Lucia Boxing Association and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The venue change is designed to offer a more controlled environment and to inject new life into the event by tapping into the island’s sports tourism potential.
Boxers from across the region and North America are expected to descend on Saint Lucia, with over 100 athletes slated to compete. The Pavilion, known for hosting elite cultural and entertainment events, will now serve as the backdrop for one of the region’s top boxing showdowns.
“All the elite boxers are going into the touristic area, the Pavilion, with compliments and the help from the Tourism Authority,” said David “Shakes” Christopher, president of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association, at the official press launch last Thursday. “We will bring some more touristic flavour into boxing this year… Now, boxing is getting a chance to go into the Pavilion.”
Previously hosted at the Vigie Sports Complex, the event faced persistent challenges due to inclement weather. The new location not only resolves those issues but also aims to engage tourists and locals alike by placing the action at the centre of the island’s most visited district.
Team Saint Lucia, the defending champions, will look to hold their ground against fierce regional competition. Christopher noted the team’s ambitions for more international exposure and stronger opponents beyond the Caribbean.
“We could get all the hotels, and we want to call on [the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority] to spread this word through the hotel circuit,” he said. “Get the hotel personnel to sell this. We’ll give you the flyers – sell it to the guests so they can come across to the Pavilion and enjoy some good boxing.”
Each night of the championship begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12.
