It's a new year, and hopefully a big one for Bahamian boxer Meacher "Major Pain" Major.
The Bahamas' super featherweight champion has his sights set on fighting for, and winning, the British Commonwealth title. After stepping into the ring just once last year, Major is looking forward to getting an early start in 2012 in his quest of going after one of the most prestigious titles in the world. He is of the firm view that a successful Commonwealth showing would be the stepping stone he needs to get that elusive world title shot. At 30, Major knows that the time is now for him to showcase his talents. He is scheduled to fight in one month, February 4, right here in The Bahamas.
"The British Commonwealth title is actually my first priority right now," said Major yesterday. "The main thing is to get ranked in the Commonwealth, and the United States as well. Things are looking great right now. Once I win this fight coming up, I am confident that I will be back in the top 15 in the world." Major joined an elite group of Bahamians when he cracked the top 15 world rankings in boxing last year. He was listed as the eleventh ranked boxer in the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the super featherweight class.
"That was a big accomplishment for me right there, but I want to take it a step further this year," said Major. "Right now, I'm just remaining humble and being optimistic. I just want to say, 'Happy New Year to the entire Bahamas'. I'm grateful to God for this opportunity and just want to make the most out of it. I've been struggling with fights for the last year and a half but going into 2012 I'm extremely optimistic.
In this business you have to be careful and not just take any fight because you haven't fought in a long time, but you have to be wise about your decisions and where you want to be. I'm looking to fight here on February 4 for the first time since the summer and I think it's a win-win situation for me. I'm looking at an opportunity to fight for the British Commonwealth title and this upcoming fight should set me up well for that.
I just want to say thanks to my parents, my family and friends for always supporting me. Also, thanks to my trainer Nathaniel Knowles, and also Gregory Storr, for being there and getting me in the type of shape that I need to be in. They have me eating the right foods and maintaining the same weight. I also want to say thanks to the Bahamas Boxing Commission, and Wellington Miller and the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas as well, for allowing us to have this joint venture to get some of the amateur boxers involved."
As Major mentioned, the proposed show on February 4 is expected to feature amateur fights as well. Major has ventured into the promotional side of the sport this year, as he is part of Major Promotions and Entertainment - the contractual company for the February 4 show.
"This is going to be a big year for me both in the ring and in promotions as well," said Major. "We're looking to sign Ryan McKenzie (Bahamian light heavyweight boxer) and hopefully Valentino Knowles when he is finished with his amateur career. As for me, I still feel great. I feel like I am in the prime of my career. I have never been knocked out, nor at the point where I suffered any serious injury. I am in tip top shape and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way. That is one of the reasons why Floyd Mayweather could still be so dominant. He has never been seriously hurt. I feel good and ready to accomplish some big things this year."
Major concluded by thanking a couple of his sponsors - Raw on the Porch and Ali's Glass and Windows - for their support over the years.
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