The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

PROFESSIONAL boxing is expected to return to the Bahamas at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium next Friday night when Sports Nutrition Products Bahamas Limited is all set to stage a “Caribbean Showdown” between the Bahamas and Jamaica.

Renaldo Minus, the Bahamas heavyweight champion turned promoter, sent out a warning to the Jamaican community that it’s not “Usain Bolt” competing. He encouraged both the Bahamian and Jamaican fans to come out and support the show that is being sponsored by BTC, Liquor Courage and Kool Air condition.

Meacher ‘Major Pain’ Major, the Bahamian lightweight champion, will be back in action as he headlines the show against Glenroy Beckford of Jamaica. Major, 33, expressed his gratitude to Minus for giving him the call to come and be a part of the card. He promised that he won’t disappoint the Bahamian fans.

“First of all, I want to give the Almighty God thanks. Thanks to the sponsors,” Major said.

“I’m in great shape. I’ve had a year off, but this is the sport of boxing. I’ve dedicated my whole life to this, so I’m looking forward to making an example of my Jamaican opponent.

“This is a stepping stone. Due to my injury, I’m starting from the bottom up. But I’m hungry. I just want to get the show on the road. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I just want to represent the country to the best of my ability. Once I put God first, nothing can stop me.”

Another lightweight Lester Brown, who has had an impressive start to his pro career, will be on the card. He too is excited about the opportunity to compete.

“I’m undefeated right now and I plan to keep it that way,” said Brown, who thanked his sponsors Omni Flash Cash and JS Johnson for their support. “I’m going to come out there and put on a good show for the fans. I’ve been on a year lay off just like Meacher Major.

“But we had a good training camp and I’m in really good shape, so I’m going to come out and put on a show for the fans.”

Ivan Moxey, another exciting lightweight making his return, will take on Jamaican Clifton Lewis.

“I just want to thank everybody, thank God for this opportunity,” he said. “I know I’ve been away from the game for a while, but now I am ready to come back and show everybody my capabilities.”

Jermaine ‘Choo Choo’ Mackey will also be making his return when he competes on the show.

“Jamaica has really taken off since the Bahamas has been off the scene,” Minus said. “We would like to take back that number one position in the Caribbean because we feel that we are the best and we have been proving it over and over again with multiple champions in all sorts of divisions.”

As they continue to promote professional boxing, Minus said they intend to bring back fighters like Jerry ‘Big Daddy’ Butler and Jerome Ellis.

“Boxing is on the way back and Sports Nutrition will make sure that the sport takes its rightful place in the Caribbean and in the Bahamas,” Minus said.

Chris Frye, the managing director of Liquor Courage, said interested persons can go to any one of their three locations at Cable Beach and Palmdale to purchase their tickets. The cost is $20 general admission, $50 ringside and $75 VIP.

“We are looking forward to a good fight and a good turnout,” said Frye, who noted that they will be providing the beverages during the show. “We are looking forward to the Bahamians showing the Jamaicans who are on top.”