Latest update November 15th, 2024 1:00 AM
Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite/Guillermo Jones clash for WBA Cruiserweight title
Promoter Don King (centre) poses with several of the fighters in his stable along with Guillermo Jones (extreme left) and Wayne Braithwaite (extreme right).
By Michael Benjamin
Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight champion, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite is scheduled to oppose Guillermo Jones in a highly anticipated rematch for the latter fighter’s World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight title on March 19 next, at the Bank Atlantic Centre in Sunrise, Florida, USA.
The two last met for the title, which was then held by Braithwaite, on September 3, 2005. Jones had prevailed after the referee stopped the bout in the fourth round. Braithwaite had claimed then that the referee’s decision was premature.
He had vowed to avenge the loss once given the opportunity. In the meantime, Jones had built quite a reputation for himself chalking up a career record that reads 36 bouts, 3 losses, 2 draws with 28 knockouts.
Jones’ mandatory challengers would have been either Valery Brudov, rated at number one or Francisco Palacios, rated at number two.
Ironically, Jones opted for a fight with the unrated Braithwaite since it was his management team that voluntarily dispatched a special permit request to the officials of the WBA to participate in a voluntary title defence against Braithwaite.
Meanwhile, ‘The Truck’ has already gone into training and spoke with Kaieteur Sport moments after completing a hectic workout Friday morning.
The stocky fighter disclosed that the fight had been in the air since early January but he had only recently signed the contract to formalize the deal. Braithwaite, who has a promotional contract with renowned boxing promoter, Don King, admitted that he was not rated and was somewhat surprised by Guillermo’s request.
He scoffed at the suggestion that Jones may have regarded him as a walk over and therefore requested the return bout with him rather than receive a mandatory order from the ruling body.
“I have said it then and I still believe that the referee had stopped my bout with Jones prematurely,” said Braithwaite. He is adamant that he was not hurt and could have continued.
Braithwaite intimated that he is taking this fight seriously and has already commenced training under the tutelage of former junior/lightweight contender and countryman, Dillon Carew.
He said that he commences his training regiment early in the morning starting with 6 miles of hectic roadwork. During that time he engages in calisthenics, speed work and strengthening exercises.
Braithwaite said that he returns in the afternoon for another hectic session at the Jackie Gleasons Gym, Brooklyn.
The afternoon sessions consist of rigid sparring sessions, pad work, punching the heavy bag and skipping among others.
Quizzed on his chances of regaining the title Braithwaite said, “This is a must win fight for me.” He said that in contrast to the last outing, he is feeling more confident this time around.
“I am doing everything that I am supposed to do to reverse my fortunes,” Braithwaite said. He admitted that he had not taken the last fight seriously saying that the loss was a wake-up call for him.
Other than his belief that he was ‘done in’ he cited two other reasons for his loss. “Firstly I think my lifestyle had contributed to my loss so I have made some crucial changes in that department,” the former champion admitted.
He also thinks the weight limit was a contributing factor. “Around that time the authorities had adjusted the weight limit for cruiserweights from 190 to 200 pounds and I was severely affected,” he explained.
The former champion further pointed out that he has since adjusted his training regiment to include weights training.
He said that he is more comfortable in the division and expects to tip the scale at around 200 pounds. “I am now a full fledged cruiserweight and feels much stronger at this weight,” said Braithwaite.
The man whose numbing punching power has earned the sobriquet ‘Big Truck’ shied away from making a prediction but adamantly stated, “This is a life or death situation for me.
I’m prepared to go twelve rounds but if the knockout comes I’ll accept it with both hands.”
Meanwhile, overseas based boxing promoter/matchmaker, Ceon Bristol believes that Braithwaite has the necessary tools to regain his belt.
Bristol said that he has observed Braithwaite in action and believes that he has indeed made some crucial changes to his repertoire which should stand him in good stead for the return bout.
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