The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

ONE of the leading boxers in the Bahamas in recent years at the amateur and professional level, Meacher “Major Pain” Major continues to make the transition to the coaching and promotional ranks.

Major’s latest venture will pay homage to his mentor and Bahamian boxing pioneer Ray Minus Jr and his wife Michelle Minus.

The first annual “Ray Minus Youth Boxing Championship” is all set for 6pm Saturday at the Nassau Stadium. General admission for the event is $6 for adults and $2 for children, while ringside seats are available at $10.

Some of the most highly touted players from Major’s camp will participate, including Maliko Davis, Noriega Wilson, Jason Lafleur, Marvin Curts, Brian Cezilen, Manny Taylor, Anthon Moxey, Javon Johnson, Mackey Cleveaux and Jemson Daleant among others.

Major said he saw it as a fitting honour for a family who has given so much to the sport over four generations. “I really don’t think people understand how much Ray and Michelle have done for boxing in the Bahamas. Without Ray and his club, there would be no Meacher Major. Ray has had his hand in the development of almost all the country’s top fighters and continues to do work in the community in his club. We hope that this tournament can grow more and more in the future, to the point that we can bring in some international fighters to go up against our guys. We’re also inviting all of the other boxing clubs in the country to come down and be a part of the event,” Major said.

“Ray would always host events, but they would always be in-house events, because of a lack of competition. What I did, rather than helping him out and joining up I figured I would start my own club to keep things fresh. The kids get tired of fighting the same people over and over, so with both of us having separate clubs, there will always be a high level of intensity when they meet up.”

In his last fight, Major suffered “torn ligaments” in his right foot during his match against Roger Rosa at “Pain and Glory Part II: The Revenge” in December 2014.

Major, who turned pro in 2000 after a successful amateur career under the tutelage of Ray Minus Jr, fought to a no contest in the rematch against Rosa in their December 13, 2013 match.

Major won an unanimous sixth round decision at the Rainforest Theatre in the first bout.

Major has since formed the Major Pain Boxing Club next to Super Value on Top of the Hill, Mackey Street.

“With all of the problems going on in our country, I just want to be able to help the youth in our society. I just want to continue what I’ve always been doing with the youths in our society. With the club, I can get some more competitive boxers in the amateur system,” he said.

“It’s about that generation and inspiring them because the young guys I train they inspire me. There are a lot of great upcoming young fighters that are really sharp. I’m just happy to be back in the boxing ring.”’