Fast-service food giant KFC Jamaica has officially partnered with the Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) to bolster the transformative Gloves Over Guns (GOG) Futures programme. 

Amid concerns about crime and violence impacting Jamaica’s youth, the JBA spearheads the programme in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as well as corporate sponsors and other key stakeholders.

The initiative provides a structured, competitive platform for aspiring boxers, offering mentorship, training, and pathways to personal and professional development. The programme aims to deter youths from crime and violence and instead channel their potential towards national and international success by engaging them in a sport rooted in resilience and self-mastery.

According to Andrei Roper, KFC Jamaica’s marketing manager, the company’s support of GOG Futures aligns seamlessly with its ongoing mission to make a tangible impact on the lives of young Jamaicans which cements its commitment to fostering positive change, equipping at-risk young people with the skills, mindset, and discipline required to excel both in and out of the boxing ring.

“This partnership is more than mere boxing. It’s not just about the sport—it’s about creating sustainable change. Boxing instils discipline, perseverance, and respect—values that are crucial in shaping well-rounded individuals. At KFC, we believe in initiatives that provide structure and opportunity for young people, and Gloves Over Guns Futures does exactly that. We are proud to stand alongside the Jamaica Boxing Association in giving our youth a fighting chance for a brighter future.”

As part of its commitment, KFC Jamaica will support the monthly GOG Futures boxing events, which is scheduled for the last Saturday of each month in downtown Kingston.

These events will feature high school athletes, Olympic hopefuls, and professional fighters, bringing together some of Jamaica’s most promising boxing talent.

The initiative offers an organised outlet for young athletes while serving as a talent incubator, potentially grooming Jamaica’s next generation of world-class boxers.

Stephen Jones, president of the Jamaica Boxing Association, welcomed the partnership, highlighting its significance in the broader mission of the programme. 

“Our monthly events have become a cornerstone for these young athletes, and having KFC join us as a partner is truly a game changer. Their support doesn’t just fuel the programme; it is going to energise our audience even further, making each event even more thrilling. We’re incredibly grateful to KFC for standing with us and helping to uplift Jamaica’s youth.”

Through this partnership, the initiative is poised to reach even greater heights, reinforcing boxing as a powerful tool for crime prevention, youth empowerment and community development.

The first GOG Futures event for the year took place on February 22 at the Stanley Couch Gym on Victoria Avenue in Kingston, with the remaining events slated for March 29, April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, October 25, and November 29, at venues to be confirmed.