September 3, 2004

Joint Association of Boxers (JAB) member Jameel “Big Time” McCline (31-3-3 with 19 KOs) will fight Chris “Rapid Fire” Byrd for the International Boxing Federation Heavyweight Title on November 13 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Byrd has a 37-2-1 record with 20 KOs.

“I’m very happy to be fighting someone who I consider to be one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division today,” McCline said. “Chris Byrd is not only a friend of mine, but someone I’ve looked up to for a long time and admired. It’s like the student finally fighting the teacher. Now it’s time for me to show him what I’ve learned. I think it’s enough to take it to him and come with the victory.”

McCline said he expects to win, and hope that his first defense of his title can come at a JAB event. “Not only would it be great to have JAB involved with a heavyweight champion, but also for that champion to be someone who believes in unions and what they stand for,” he said. “I am amongst the five percent of fighters that can afford their own healthcare, their own insurance. I can take care of myself. But there are literally hundreds of fighters out there who need the services JAB can provide. This sport needs JAB.”

“Our guys are rolling now,” said JAB President Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. “We’ve got great champions down for the cause.”

Teamsters interested in purchasing tickets to the event should call Local 202 at 718-328-7000.

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