The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH his hands raised as he signified the tremendous support he got from his family and friends, Ray Minus Jr celebrated another victory as he termed the medical fund raiser a success.

It was like stepping back into the ring for the former Bahamas and British Commonwealth bantamweight and lightweight champion on Saturday at the JEMS Plaza on Horse Shoe Drive off Nassau Street opposite Commonwealth Bank.

“It’s amazing. I’m so thankful to the Bahamian people for supporting and taking part in a programme to help rebuild my arm and get it back on track,” Minus Jr said. “I’m so thankful and grateful to my daughter, Rayshell, who put this all together. She got together with her mother, Michelle, and they put it all together with my sisters and other family members. It turned out to be a very successful event.”

Minus Jr, 56, said he’s now looking forward to getting the medical attention that he needs to restore his right arm, which was responsible for knocking out so many of his opponents during the course of his illustrious career.

“It brought back a lot of memories when I used to be boxing,” said Minus Jr, who also fought three times for a world title. “To see the people who came out to support me, was very touching. I felt good about it. It turned out to be a good thing.”

Rayshell Minus-Rolle said the proceeds from the souse out will go to assisting her father, Minus Jr, in helping him to regain his strength in his right arm, which has him disabled and will need extensive therapy to restore his muscle.

“It was a good success. We had an overwhelming response from persons who gave out, made donations, brought tickets,” she stressed. “Thank you so much to the public. We appreciate you.

“The Bahamas is a great place and so I want to thank everyone for being supportive of my father, Ray Minus Jr, the Bahamian and British Commonwealth bantamweight and lightweight champion.”

Minus-Rolle said she felt as if she was back in the arena getting ready to watch a boxing match between Minus Jr and one of his opponents.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of New Providence were among the volunteers who showed up to lead their support to the Minus family, including Michelle and Rayshell, who are both members.

Angelene Russell, one of the members, said it is their mission to serve and when they heard about the gesture for Minus Jr, they came out to assist in serving the souse and other items that go along with it.

“It was great. It was really tremendous. Everyone came out and gave their support,” she pointed out. “So it was a great turnout.”

All through the morning, Ray Minus Jr was greeted by so many of his former boxers whom he trained in both the Champion Amateur Boxing Class and as professionals with First Class Promotions with his ex-wife Michelle.

Also in attendance was Tonique Williams, who has captured both a World Championship and Olympic gold medal in the women’s 400 metres.