Fighting for a cause - Young Wild Apache’s charity boxing scores for peace

RISING DANCEHALL artiste, Rohan Orlando Reid, better known as Young Wild Apache, aka the Don with the Plan, has found another way to keep his community united during a time where everyone has been hit hard by the pandemic, especially children, with a viral charity boxing event being held each week called 'Jump Out, Thump Out' Tuesdays. The spectacle is a fun-filled amateur boxing competition, which has seen all of Kingston 11 and surrounding communities converging in Cockburn Pen every Tuesday to be part of the show.

It has also garnered a lot of attention online, both locally and internationally, with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Ce'Cile, Boom Boom, and a few professional boxing coaches from England and Canada tuning in on the live stream, plus it was aired the following Wednesday on TVJ's 'Smile Jamaica'.

Upon the THE STAR's arrival on the night of the event, it was clear that this was not a regular gathering, as we observed that all safety protocols were being taken seriously and everyone around the ring had on masks and hand sanitisers were being handed out. And there was a professional referee present, Felipe Sanchez, who is also the owner of Rude Boy Boxing Gym, along with medical officials and scouts.

A prominent member of the community, who calls himself 'Dadda', said: "This is what the Government 'fi' support cause even the old people a come outside and a enjoy themself, them nuh coop up like fowl."

This is not the first time Young Wild Apache has organised an event to aid community development, as he also organises a yearly football competition called 'Memorial Cup', which was created in memory of residents who lost their lives in the few years ago due to violence in the community. For Young Wild Apache, this is a way of showing that they want to end the violence and unite.

Young Wild Apache is presently working on his upcoming EP and compilation mixtape labelled Don with the Plan, with his manager/producer, Penny Bling. The mixtape will be released this December with all his previously released singles, like the hit Don with the Plan that was made popular by Boom Boom and freestyles with a few new singles. However, the EP will be available next year when there are less restrictions and a proper launching of the project is possible.

Young Wild Apache is also planning to create a boxing gym in the community and groom fighters to compete at a professional level. There is a belief they may have found a few youngsters with potential to be really good in the sport.

Happy Better Tomorrow Charity and other entities involved are hoping to really make a change in the community. All proceeds and donations are given to the participants and to the community for future development.

The first match was full of excitement and it pitted Miracle Rhakeam from Cockburn Pen against Oraldo 'Jubba' Stephenson from Mandella Terrace.

The taller boxer, six-footer Miracle, made his community proud as he prevailed in the end of the three-round match. Miracle won rounds two and three, while Stephenson managed to win round one. The second match, between heavyweights Dwayne Smith and Ryan Gordon, was filled with drama and ended in a draw. A rematch is in the making.

"This boxing initiative dubbed 'Jump out, Thump out' is not only to give young and mature boxers a chance to sharpen their skills, it's a big morale-boosting tool for peace in our community, as well as surrounding areas, as sport and entertainment is a driving force for unity," said Young Wild Apache.