The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PROMOTER Tommy Stubbs said the “Pain and Glory” boxing show on Friday night was not just about the return of professional boxing in the country, but it was also to recognise some of those persons who have made their contribution to the sport over the years.

Stubbs and his committee honoured Michelle Minus, promoter of the First Class Promotions, Fernley Palmer, long-time judge and Bahamas Boxing Commission chairman and Dewitt ‘DC’ Pratt, the new IKF East Coast Muay Thai champion by presenting each of them with a plaque. The presentations were made by Makeva Wallace of Buttons Formal Wear.

For someone who was normally in the forefront since 2000 organising a series of professional shows involving her former husband, Ray Minus Jr, Quincy ‘Thrill-A-Minute’ Pratt, Jermaine ‘Choo Choo’ Mackey and Meacher ‘Pain’ Major, Michelle Minus said it was good to just be able to come out and watch the action for a change.

“I felt honoured that they chose me to give recognition to for my contribution to the sport of boxing,” she said. “I thought it was a very good gesture,” she said. “Everything has its time. The Bible said He will reward you justly. Somewhere along the line, somebody will stop you and say thanks.

“So I want to say thanks to Tommy (Stubbs) and Makeva (Wallace) from Buttons Formal Wear for taking the time to recognise me and remember some of the stuff that I did in boxing. I just want to say thanks to them for giving to the sport. I want to wish them the best in the sport.”

And in case you’re wondering, yes, Minus said she will be back. She is currently working on making her return with First Class Promotions in March with her pro show in three years at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Hopefully, she will showcase some of the pro fighters like Valentino Knowles, Taureano ‘Reno’ Johnson and Ryan ‘Big Youth’ McKenzie, who are all training and fighting out of the United States.

The two other recipients were also just as overwhelmed by the gesture by Buttons Formal Wear.

When asked how he felt bout the recognition, Palmer simply said: “Great. I got a lot of awards over the years, but this one I really appreciate.”

Palmer, a product of the Eastern Senior School, which now houses the Eastern Post Office on Shirley Street, said he learned how to box growing up in the Pond, but he was never enthused enough to take his skills all the way into the ring in a competitive match.

Instead, he got inspired to judge the shows and having done so for the past 50 years. His most noted appearance on the sideline came when he officiated at the Drama in Bahama in 1981 featuring Muhammad Ali and Trevor Berbick at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre. He joined the two other judges from Canada and the United States.

“I feel great. I got a lot of awards. This is probably my third or fourth in boxing, so I feel great,” said Palmer, who is also known for the role he has played in the Boys’ Brigade, the oldest uniformed Christian Youth Organisation for boys in the Bahamas. “I feel glad to get this award.”

Palmer also acknowledged the efforts of Stubbs and Ronn Rodgers of the Strikers Boxing Club in reviving the sport with the first show in two years.

Palmer said the Bahamas Boxing Commission was pleased to go the extra mile to support the organisers in their effort.

Having won the IKF East Coast Men’s Open Muay Thai light middleweight championship title in Dillon, South Carolina on Sunday, October 20 over American Gage Duhon with an unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 and 29-28), DC Pratt said he was thrilled to come home and be recognised at the show.

“I have to thank Meacher (Major) because he was the one who really pushed it for me,” Pratt said. “He really knew what I was doing in the States, he knew the sacrifices that I made to be over there and to train for the fights, so it was good to be recognised when you are doing stuff on your own.”

Now back home, Pratt said he will be looking forward to heading to Thailand in March to continue his training there for three months before he ventures into the professional ranks over there. The 160-pound 23-year-old currently fights out of the Khunpon Bangkok Boxing Club. He has a win-loss-draw record of 5-1-1.