The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LIGHTWEIGHT Meacher Major and heavyweight Jerry ‘Big Daddy’ Butler found themselves in a familiar setting. The duo were back in the Champion Boxing Club over the weekend sparring together as they prepare for Friday night’s professional boxing card at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Major, 33, will headline the “Pain & Glory Part 2 - The Revenge” professional boxing show. While Major will be taking on Brazilian Roger Rosa in the main event in a rematch from part one, Butler will be on the undercard against American James Pratt out of North Carolina.

It’s going to be Major’s first appaearance in the ring since December 13 last year when he pulled off an unanimous decision over Rosa in the Rainforest Theatre of the Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Major, with a 21-(17 KO)-6 (4 KO)-1 win-loss-draw record will take on 30-year-old Rosa (5-5-1), who has also not fought since they last met.

“Everything is going great. I’m in real good shape. I’m just waiting for the opportunity to fight again. I’m just waiting to go out there and execute to the best of my ability,” Major said. “The fight fans can expect a great fight from Meacher Major on Friday, December 5.”

Now based out of New York, Major said he is thrilled to be back home.

“I’ve been working mostly on my condition, getting back stronger,” he said. “I’m focusing a lot on boxing on my toes, like how I used to fight, just going in there and taking my time and being patient. I’m just grateful to God for this opportunity again. God has been so great, coming back from an injury that has hampered my career. I just have to go back out there and perform like I used to do.”

Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Champion Boxing Club, Major said he was even more excited to be training under Minus Jr again.

“No one understands me more than Ray Minus Jr. I see where he can help me in my training camp. It has put back the hunger in the guys in the gym and that is what is needed to keep you competitive,” Major said. “I’m really hungry  and that is what it’s all about right now.

“People can expect a great fight. All of the team is back together. I have my trainers Nathaniel Knowles and Ray Minus Jr and Cassius Moss in my corner, so I’m really excited about the fight.”

For Butler, it will be his return to the ring for the first time since he lost a third round decision to American Luis Ortiz in the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, on April 2, 2011. Butler, who will celebrate his 34th birthday on December 15, said it’s like old times back in the gym.

“I always liked the gym. This is where I grew up,” he said. “I just want to thank Meacher Major and Buttons for giving me this opportunity to display my talent once again. It feels good to be fighting at home. Everybody on the card is trying their best to bring boxing back to where it was.”

When asked about getting back in the ring to “shake off” the rust, Butler jokingly said if he still has to “come in here to train, practice, do the running,” he can’t be concerned about any rust.

“I’m feeling good. I can’t wait for December 5 to get back into the ring and show off my talent once again,” he said. “Two years has been too long. Boxing has been too quiet. We just need everybody to come together to put boxing back on the map.”

In reference to his opponent, Butler said it doesn’t matter who it is.

“Once he don’t have three hands and three legs, is not a beast and doesn’t bite, the judges will see the same thing that we both throw, so I’m comfortable with that,” he said.

Back in his old stomping ground, Butler said it makes him feel as if he was right at home.

“From I was growing up, I was always the biggest guy, so everybody used to want to spar with me,” Butler said. “So training with the guys was like I never missed boxing. It was like I was always here. I am right at home. So I’m excited to be here training and I’m looking forward to competing on Friday night.”

Minus Jr said he liked what he saw from his two protégés in the ring.

“He’s moving good. His spacing is very good. He’s on track. I feel like once we work on one or two defensive moves, trying to get his hands back quicker after he throws a punch to protect his face,” said Minus Jr of Major. “That’s something easy to work on. But his stamina and endurance is on track. We’ve been working hard and when we brought in Jerry, his movement has been much better.”

As for Butler, Minus Jr said he’s looking good, taking advantage of Major’s speed to keep the pressure on him.

“We’re trying to get Jerry to be more of an inside fighter and letting his hands go more,” Minus Jr said of Butler. “We want him to be back more of a boxer, so working with Meacher is helping him with all of that. So it’s a win-win with the sparring for both of them.”

And even though the sparring is beneficial to them both, Minus Jr said young boxers like Don Rolle and Lennox Boyce are also learning a lot of skills as they have been able to spar with Major as well.