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

Bahamian featherweight Kato 'Red Lion' Ferguson decided to step out on a limb and start a new life in Florida, dedicated toward pro-boxing excellence.

A few months ago, Ferguson left his job, his family and sense of security in The Bahamas to undertake a six hour-a-day training program in hopes of gaining a title fight. On Saturday, May 31, the 'Red Lion' will see if it was all worth it when he touches gloves in his first foreign fight against an opponent to be announced.

Ferguson's win/loss record stands at 1-1 listed on Box Rec, "considered in many circles the boxing results bible," according to the Bahamas Boxing Commission's (BBC) Secretary Fred Sturrup.

"I realized that in life you have to take chances. Many people questioned how could I take the chance of relocating without any type of sponsorship or support. However, I have been planning for this opportunity for a really long time. If I had been listening to other people, I would never be motivated to step out and attempt to achieve this life-long dream. It is necessary to try and get some bouts under my belt fighting abroad because this way I will have a better chance at being rated on Box Rec.

"There is a big difference between fighting on cards here in The Bahamas and foreign. Over here, you have to fight in more than 15 bouts to get rated whereas you may only have to fight in a minimum of 10 bouts abroad before you get rated on Box Rec," Ferguson said.

The 'Red Lion' explained that his ultimate goal is title contention.

"Right now, I am working with Golden Boy Promotions and trying to build a relationship with Don King's Company, King Promotions. Also, I am training under Milton Lacroix who has trained 12 Golden Glove Champions as well as Shannon Briggs, a former World Heavyweight Champion. According to Lacroix, I have the potential to get a title fight. For the most part, I want to win a world title in the featherweight division and I will also try to move into the other divisions, so I just came home to speak with Mr. Sturrup from the BBC about correcting my win/loss record. An unofficial fight was recorded on Box Rec. Once the correction is made it will be easier for the promoters to get me on cards. The issue with my record has not yet been resolved but the BBC is pretty accommodating," explained Ferguson.

In related professional boxing news, the World Boxing Council's CABOFE, World Boxing Association Fede Caribe and Bahamas Super Middleweight Champion, Jermaine 'Choo Choo' Mackey, has his eyes on the British Commonwealth Super Middleweight title. Mackey, who stands at 15-2-0, was set to face Irishman Brian MaGee on May 24 for the title. However, according to MaGee's corner, he pulled out of the fight last week because of an injury. As a result, Mackey will face Michael 'The Amazing' Gbenga from Ghana who stands at 5-3-0. The fight will take place at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium at 8:00 p.m.