Lucien Chen, renowned Jamaican boxing promoter and horseracing aficionado, died in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday after ailing for some time.
He was 88 years old.
Chen played an integral role in the development of Jamaica’s boxing history and arranged a number of title fights both locally and overseas. He was also instrumental in the heavyweight title fight between George Foreman and Joe Frazier being held at the National Arena in Jamaica in 1973.
Leroy Brown, a member of the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control, said Chen’s death is a big loss for the boxing fraternity.
“I have known Lucien for over 40 years and he is the best promoter of boxing that Jamaica has ever seen. He took risks and chances not only to develop boxing, but the sport itself. Lucien has left a legacy and it will take a lot to equal what he has done for Jamaica,” Brown told the
Jamaica Observer yesterday.
“His death is a big loss to the fraternity and his legacy will forever be cherished and I hope that others can follow in his footsteps,” Brown stated further.
Chen also had a passion for horseracing in which he was an owner and breeder.
Chen was the former owner of Track Price Plus, the country’s largest bookmaking firm, along with Melvin Chin.
Howard Hamilton, president of the Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders’ Association (TOBA) of Jamaica, said that Chen will be greatly missed by the racing fraternity.
“What a sad news to hear. Chen was a great promoter of boxing in Jamaica and was close to horseracing as well as he was also a close friend of mine. I used to promote boxing with him as well and he was a fun person to be around. Chen brought in horses from England to help with the growth of the sport in Jamaica.
“Although he moved to Miami a long time ago, he always was a part of the racing industry and we will surely miss him. He was a good man,” Hamilton said.