Derek "Smoke" Gainer Joins Boxers Union

Featherweight Champ says "it's a long time coming"

 Las Vegas, May 23, 2003 - Joint Association of Boxers (JAB) founder Eddie Mustafa Muhammad announced today that Derek "Smoke" Gainer, WBA Featherweight champion of the world, has joined JAB.

Says Gainer: "The idea of a boxers union is a long time coming.  Boxers have been exploited for too long and the industry needs a strong unifying force.  JAB is the answer."

 "JAB's ranks are growing rapidly by the day, and we are proud to have the support of another great fighter like "Smoke" Gainer," said Mustafa Muhammad.

 According to Muhammad, "JAB has not only received support from fighters in gyms throughout the United States, we are drawing the attention of boxers worldwide, along with key promoters who see JAB as the way to help bring greater public respect to the sport of boxing as an industry."

 The Joint Association of Boxers (JAB) affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on May 12, 2003.