Boxing Day(s)

Jacksonville’s reputation as a boxing hub continues to grow. Most recently, we hosted our

annual Marine Chevy Freedom Fight, an exciting event featuring 32 bouts with both local

athletes and competitors from across the southeast. The event generated an estimated

economic impact of $58,328 and accounted for approximately 171 room nights. It also

coincided with the All-Marine Boxing Alumni Reunion, adding to the weekend’s significance.

This was our third boxing event of 2025.

Freedom Fight Boxing

In January, we welcomed the Silver Gloves Regional,which brought fighters from eight states to compete over three days for the chance to advance to the national finals. Despite an ice storm sweeping across the southeast—limiting some participants’ travel—it became our largest tracked sporting event for fiscal year 2024–25, generating an estimated 655 room nights and $227,745 in economic impact. We are proud to announce that this prestigious event will return to Jacksonville on January 9–11, 2026, and we are hopeful for better weather.

The Carolina Gloves tournament has also become a much-anticipated annual event. Held in

February this year, it produced an estimated economic impact of $80,892 and 204 room nights. The 2026 edition is scheduled for March 28–29. Our continued success in hosting these tournaments is due in large part to the strong partnership we have built with USA Boxing North Carolina President Patrick Finklin and Vice President Mark Hornsby. Their dedication, along with the enthusiasm of the athletes and coaches, has made Jacksonville a favored location for these

competitions.

The 2025 boxing season has been outstanding, and we look forward to building on this

momentum in 2026. Watch out Las Vegas!

— M. Scott Smith, Executive Director