Boxing Arena dedicated to Montgomery brothers, Bishop Frank Ray

People filled the bleachers at Freedom Park, not to watch a boxing match, but to see the boxing arena renamed in honor of four men who have changed the boxing world in Macon-Bibb and across the world. On Friday, December 13, Macon-Bibb held a dedication ceremony for the Ray-Montgomery Boxing Arena, in honor of Bishop Frank Ray, and Michael, Maliek, and Mikhail Montgomery.

"We are so proud of the work and ethic these boys have put into boxing," said Mayor Lester Miller. "Throughout their careers they have represented Macon very well. There are a lot of kids out there now that are going to follow in their foots steps, and this dedication will help their legacy continue for many generations."

The boxing arena was first named after local boxing legend Bishop Frank Ray, who managed the Macon Boxing Club for many years and trained local youth during his tenure. Three of those youth were Michael, Maliek, and Mikhail Montgomery who began their boxing careers at the Bay Street Middle Georgia Boxing Gym, which was started by Ray.

"To see and to know that you all still recognized him. I thought y'all had forgotten him. I was thinking about this when my daughter told me, and I was just so overwhelmed," said Bishop Ray's daughter Brenda Ray Smith.

"Being from Macon, I've always held Macon on my back," said Maleik.

The Montgomery brothers grew up boxing in Macon,and Bishop Ray impacted their lives, too. Maliek is Macon's first to win the Golden Gloves, Michael is a six-time Georgia Games champion, and Mikhail remains undefeated.

"I'm thankful for my brothers, the refs, everybody who was behind us over the years," said Michael. "It's definitely an honor."

"First, I want to thank God. It's been a long journey to this point and I, just like my brothers, have been through a lot," said Maleik. "I want to thank my parents, Michael Montgomery, Sr. and Teresa, for always being that force behind us and keeping us on the right track and staying focused on our craft."

"The renaming of this is big, not only for us, but the community," said Mikhail. "We want to thank you all for getting recognized our lifetime of hard work and dedication to the sport. Hopefully we play the role of changing a lot of kids' lives."

The brothers have trained at the Freedom Park Boxing Gym since its opening in 2014. Former District 3 Commissioner Al Tillman brought this resolution before vacating his seat earlier this year.District 8 Commissioner Virgil Watkins also sponsoredthe resolution, that you can read here.