Big plans are on the horizon for the sport of boxing, this according to Wellington Miller, president of the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB).

Miller admitted that the sport had taken quite a bit, but was never down for the count, as a number of the boxers on the amateur level continued to train. He also noted that Carl Hield represented the country very well at a number of events this year, becoming a role model for the juniors to follow.

"Boxing is on its way back to the top," said Miller. "What a lot of people don't realize about boxing is, it is a business. When boxers decide to turn pro, or join the professional ranks, they are taking a chance. Not all are affected by the ups and downs in the sport, but most are, especially those coming from small countries like The Bahamas.

"Boxing wasn't dead in The Bahamas - we were affected by the slow economy. We couldn't put on the shows like we wanted to or pay the boxers. Everything works hand-in-hand. You put on a professional card, which will feature some of our amateur boxers. Everyone gets exposed, or gets the exposure needed at their level. We have talented boxers, but at one point, the funding just wasn't there."

Miller encouraged Bahamians to come out tonight and watch the fight with Meacher 'Major Pain' Major taking on Brazilian Roger Rosa. He said the card dubbed "Pain and Glory" marks the return of a great sport, as amateur boxers will also be fighting.

He said: "Now that we have some corporate sponsors backing our boxers and willing to assist with the sport, you are going to see a difference. I want to publicly thank Tommy Stubbs for coming on board and assisting with a new promotion. The fight tomorrow night is going to be a success. The Bahamian people will get to see some of our best boxers fight. We have talented boxers on both the amateur and professional levels. The association went through some challenges, more like a rebuilding year because a number of our amateur boxers moved on to the professional ranks. Now the time has come for us to show off our up-and-coming boxers, make sure that they get the experience and exposure needed to move along in the sport."

Major's bout against Rosa is scheduled for 12 rounds over at the Rainforest Theatre, inside the Wyndham Nassau Resort.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian