By DAHALIA SMITH, NG Sports Reporter, dahalia@nasguard.com

Achievements in Bahamian boxing over the past two weeks have been monumental. Last week, amateur boxer Taureano Johnson secured his ticket for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and then yesterday First Class Promotions officially announced at a Bahamas Boxing Commission (BBC) sanctioned press conference that Jermaine 'Choo Choo' Mackey's long awaited British Commonwealth title fight will occur later this month. As for Johnson, he will try to win a medal at the Olympics, something his coach and former Olympian Andre Seymour came close to doing 20 years ago.

For now, all eyes are the 'Choo Choo' train though. Mackey stands at 15-2-0, and is set to 'buck heads' with Ghana's Michael 'The Amazing' Gbenga, who stands at 5-3-0. The fight will be a 12-round main event on Saturday, May 24 at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium at 8:00 p.m. World Boxing Council's CABOFE, World Boxing Association's Fede Caribe and Bahamas Super Middleweight Champion, Mackey, will attempt to bring the British Commonwealth title back home for the first time since his coach Ray Minus Jr. won it 20 years ago.

At the press conference, the Bahamian Champ noted: "I have not had the chance to see my opponent fight. Nonetheless, I took a look at his record and he fought some very good boxers, so I will not be taking him for granted.

Also, although my opponent had to be changed several times, this has not been a great distraction. Instead, I am very focused and ready to achieve a life-long dream, winning the title. I have been adjusting my training a bit and I will be able to bring something new to the table. I plan to represent The Bahamas well."

Several other fights on the card are promised to be 'crowd pleasers'.

In the heavyweight division, Jerry 'Big Daddy' Butler will go up against seasoned Eleutheran, James 'Killer' Coakley in a 10-rounder. Butler stands at 6-4-0 and Coakley stands at 5-4-0. Butler returned to the ring this year after a long layoff and quickly established himself, winning two straight bouts in less than a month.

He noted: "I give thanks to God for giving me the chance to fight in the ring again. I want to thank my coach, family, sponsors and friends for supporting me. We want to prove that boxing is back and bigger than ever before in The Bahamas."

Meanwhile, Coakley predicted: "It will only take one shot because I plan to knock him out in the second round. Age is only a number because I am in the best shape of my life. While in the ring I will teach this youngster how to win but I will not show him how to win against me."

Super featherweight Meacher 'Major Pain' Major, who stands at 13-3-1, is expected to take on an opponent from the United States in an eight-rounder. Major told the press that he intends on sticking to his game plan and correcting mistakes made in the past. The other two fights on the card will see light heavyweight Ryan 'Big Youth' McKenzie, who stands at 3-6-0 face an American opponent yet to be named in a six-rounder, and in the heavyweight division Ramon 'Smokin' Rolle, who stands at 1-1-0, will take on Keishno Major, who will be making his pro debut.

Also at the press conference, an unexpected challenge was made. Former boxing standout Quincy 'Thrill-a-Minute' Pratt requested that the BBC (the country's governing body for boxing) sanction a fight between he and Meacher Major.

"I just want a piece of Meacher. I will consider this fight a retirement fight," said Pratt.

In response, a chuckling Major said: "Don't sing it, bring it!"

However, BBC Vice Chairman Dr. Munir Rashad, who monitored the press conference, told Pratt that the governing body would have to make considerations before sanctioning the fight. Promoter Michelle Minus is excited about the card and said that her husband Ray Minus Jr. will be the honoree. The honoree noted: "I am usually so busy during the fights, now I will have to find time to be honored. It is greatly appreciated though."