The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Meacher Major has not fought since he knocked out Martin Anderson on April 8. But he’s looking forward to shaking off the ring rust against Puerto Rican Roberto Acevedo at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on December 16.

The Caribbean Showdown, which is expected to feature three Haitian fighters on the undercard against Bahamian competitors, had an official press conference yesterday at BTC’s headquarters where the principal sponsors were introduced.

“It’s been a long time since we had a major company backing the sport of boxing,” Major said. “It gives me more inspiration to go out there and try to accomplish my dream. Come December 16, I’m looking forward to a great fight and trying to take my career to the next level.”

Major, 35, said he checked up on his opponent and his coach Ray Minus Jr saw a video, but he’s not concerned. He’s just looking forward to going into the ring and being successful.

“He’s coming to the Bahamas, I’m not going overseas, so with the great backing of BTC, I’m looking forward to going out there and putting on a great fight for the Bahamian fans.”

Having never lost a fight at home, Major, whose record is 22-6-1 with 18 KOs, said he doesn’t intend to get that string snapped right now and so he’s inviting the public to come out and watch him do his thing against Acevedo, who at age 29 is 8-3.

Former heavyweight champion turned promoter Renaldo ‘the Terminator’ Minus thanked BTC for partnering with Sports Nutrition and Products Bahamas Limited for the event.

“This is BTC country and they are really showing it, because they are involved in every little thing in the Bahamas” Minus said.

Leon Williams, the CEO of BTC, said their 500-plus staff are enthused about sponsoring the boxing show, just as they are about the Commonwealth Youth Games next July and FIFA for the beach soccer tournament.

“It’s really a privilege for us to be here to sponsor the boxing match,” Williams said. “The DNA for BTC is the ability to give back to the country. We don’t just say this is BTC country, we live that. Everything that we do is about promoting the Bahamas.”

Minus, who is working along with Katina Aziz, said they are looking forward to the show with Major as the headliner.

“Meacher is on a mission for the British Commonwealth title. He’s right on track, but come the 16th, he has an obstacle in the front of him in the name of Roberto Acevedo,” Minus said. “Roberto Acevedo is no slush. He’s tough and Meacher knows he needs a tough fight just to propel him back into the ratings.”

Minus also released the Bahamas versus Haiti undercard, which includes the return of Bernard Rolle in a heavyweight match against Decius ‘the Machine’ Delan, who is undefeated as an amateur. “If Bernard catches him, I think that one will be all over,” Minus said.

During the press conference, the Haitian boxers phoned in for an interview and each indicated in Creole that they intend to come to the Bahamas to put on a show.

Rolle, who heard some of the comments in English, said he’s going to let his fists do the talking when he meets Delan in the ring.

“He’s talking about destroying, but mouth can say anything,” Rolle said. “Let’s get in this ring.”

Rolle, who has been inactive since he lost to Jerry ‘Big Daddy’ Butler, said he’s been preparing for the fight and he’s going to take advantage of this opportunity he’s getting through the sponsorship of BTC to make the show happen.

Also, undefeated lightweight Lester Brown will put his 3-0 record on the line against Pierre Enabe, while Hensley ‘the Bruiser’ Strachan will take on Remy Felisier.

General admission is $25 and VIP is $75, which includes drinks, food and ringside seating.

Tickets are available online at SNPBL facebook and BTC’s facebook under events and all of their social networks.

Immediately following the event, Aziz said there would be a party in the parking lot of the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.