Clayton Laurent, Jr. Prepares for August 19th Pro Debut Against Wayman Carter

ST. THOMAS — All roads lead to Antilles School’s Mark C. Marin Center on Saturday, August 19 for the first ever Rock City Boxing fight card, featuring the professional debut of Clayton Laurent, Jr.

The event headliner, Laurent will be taking on Wayman “The Slim Reaper” Carter (1-1), a 6’4, 212-pound up-and-coming heavyweight. Carter’s professional boxing career kicked off in 2016, but for the 10 years prior, he’s been a fixture in the MMA, winning more than 20 contests.

An orthodox fighter with a tendency to turn southpaw, Carter said recently that he’s ready to take Laurent on in front of his V.I. fans.

“I’ve been the underdog before and it doesn’t bother me a bit,” Carter said. “No matter the opponent or location, the job remains the same.” Anything can happen in the ring, but Carter added that he is ready to give event-goers the show they are waiting for on Aug. 19th.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to face my opponent on his home court,” Carter said. “I know I’m on dangerous ground but regardless, I have nothing but respect for him and this sport. I’m ready to give these fans what they want and put on a good show.”

With both fighters still building their records, both come in determined to leave their mark in the ring. Laurent’s extensive amateur boxing career and Carter’s sports combat experience have laid the foundation for an exciting six-round bout.

“My strategy is to go into the fight with a good defense and take whatever my opponent gives me,” Laurent said. “Boxing is like chess: you make moves and set traps to ultimately win the match, and I think this fight will show what we’re both capable of. I think that he is coming ready and will try to look for the upset win. He’s experienced and will try to use his reach in hopes of keeping me at bay, but this is my first professional fight and I plan to show the fans and the world why I will be the first V.I. heavyweight champion.”

Laurent’s dynamic management team – Matt Clark of Xcite Fight Promotions and Phillipe Fondu of World Sport Promotions – is also prepared.

“Both Philippe and myself are extremely excited to witness Clayton’s debut,” Clark said. “We believe he has an incredible amount of talent and desire and that he can reach the very top in this sport. One of the beauties of boxing is that you never know what is going to happen. However, I believe that with the support of the people, Clayton is going to be victorious on August 19th.”

The Rock City Boxing card is sponsored by: FirstBank, Rock City Wellness, the Department of Tourism, Subway, the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, Ortalis Concrete, DPP Photography, Mad Hot Media, Intricate Creative Media and School Bus, Inc.

Feature Image: Laurent and coach David Rogers, Sr. (Credit: James Gardner)