Next Saturday's fight will probably be the biggest in Meacher "Major Pain" Major's boxing career. The 12-rounder is an eliminating bout for the British Commonwealth title.
Also up for grabs, on Saturday May 12, is the North American Boxing Association (NABA) super featherweight title. If Major floors his opponent Logan McGuinness, not only will he walk away with that title but the top contender spot for the British Commonwealth crown. The super featherweight fighters will 'go at it' in the Hersey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
"Everything is going great," said Major. "We are just putting in the last minute workouts. My last training day is Thursday but I must admit that I am in great shape. I am confident that I will be able to take it to the next level."
Major revealed that he knows very little about McGuinness, who is a native of Canada. This is the first fight, on the year, for McGuinness. Last year he stepped into the ring three times, landing wins on all occasions.
In October 2011, McGuinness won the NABA super featherweight title when he knocked out Benoit Gaudet. The winning blow was delivered in the 11th round. Other wins were over Daniel Ruiz and Hector Julio Avila. McGuinness fought in five bouts in 2010. He was victorious in all. Currently, McGuinness has a 16-0-1 win/loss/draw record.
Major said: "We only have the video of his most recent fight. We've studied it long and hard but we aren't really concerned about or allowing it to affect our training. We believe that we have the advantage and experience. Most importantly skill wise, I am confident that I have him. My skills will also be a factor in the fight. I just have to go out there and take my time.
"I have been preparing for this for a while, constantly training. But since they were able to lock down a fighter, I've been in the gym for a month or two just working out. I am in great shape mentally and physically prepared. I am ready to go over there and be the champion. The opportunity itself is greater than the fight. It is more than just stepping into the ring. I just want to do my best. I am grateful for this opportunity to take it to the next level."
Coming in ranked at number nine in the world, according to the NABA, Major spots a 20-4-1 win/loss/draw record. He has gotten his feet wet this year, dropping Jeff Schuyler in the fourth round in February. As a result, Major said he doesn't feel any pressure. He believes that his love for the sport will help him pull of the feat. McGuinness is not seeded.
Major thanks everyone on his team for a wonderful job, whether it's training, promotion or support.
Still working out under Nathaniel Knowles boosts his confidence even further. Major will spend the next couple of days in Buffalo training. He is expected in Canada on Thursday. The decision to remain in Buffalo, for most of the week was made based on the similar weather around the two locations.

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