Professional boxing fans are in store for some exciting action this coming June 1 at the C.I. Gibson Gymnasium. A Major's Promotion and Entertainment show is featuring Meacher 'Major Pain' Major and Anthony 'Psycho' Woods. An application has been made to the Bahamas Boxing Commission (BBC) for the bout to be a welterweight title clash. Whatever the case, because Ray Minus Jr. who manages Woods, has been bragging about his fighter's "good chances" against Major, the enthusiasm is building quickly.
Firstly, it should be recognized that Minus Jr. once managed Major and guided him to the World Boxing Association (WBA) Fede Caribe super featherweight title. The two parted several years ago and Major went on to establish himself as a serious contender in the Commonwealth Boxing Council (CBC). Woods on the other hand has had a much less than spectacular career. Nevertheless, he always brings immense passion and courage to his matches.
Ordinarily, the contest would be labeled a mismatch and the proposal caused a lot of consideration by commissioners. Factor in though, Woods will be competing at a weight he is very comfortable with while Major will be venturing out in the heavier category for the very first time. Thus far he has campaigned only in the super featherweight and lightweight categories.
Woods is taller, packs a decent punch and is a notorious fast starter. If he is able to take advantage of his height and reach, apply early pressure, spectators could be in for a "major" brawl. Once Major gets in rhythm, he should be able to control the action. These are the uncertainties that are creating the big buzz about the proposed match. Actually the bout is equally important for the fighters.
Major is eager to prove that he is in the upper echelon of Bahamian pro boxing campaigners and deserves to be classed with Edner Cherry, Sherman 'Tank' Williams, Taureano Johnson and Ryan McKenzie. A defeat at the hands of Woods would ultimately signal to Major that the time has come to hang up the gloves. Woods has no real status. He has been termed a stepping-stone opponent and is not likely to win a regional or international boxing title. He is exciting to watch though and could steal the thunder from Major if the latter does not bring into the ring savvy and determination.
For Woods, this is his big opportunity before Bahamian fans to finally get some credit. He has toiled for about eight years now and has not really gained respect of the boxing fraternity in this county. Yes, on the surface, the bout does not look inspiring. Once you examine everything about the two fighters however, the contest becomes one you want very much to witness. I would like to see what, if anything at all of the early Meacher Major is left. It would also be good for Woods to attain respectability. He has always been a hard worker.
So here we are. The promotional group has only to satisfy the conditions of the commission. It's game on!
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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