‘The Sniper’ Cox threatens to shoot down ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite

Feb 23, 2012 Sports

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Don’t expect any white flag, the symbol of surrender, to be hoisted when

former World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite and current Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) heavyweight champion, Shawn ‘The Sniper’ Cox step into the ring for a scheduled twelve rounds contest for the latter fighter’s title tomorrow night.
The fight marks Braithwaite’s first appearance in the local ring since he lifted that crown from the head of Italian, Vincenzo Cantatore and he is anxious to display his wares before his countrymen.
Both pugilists flew into Guyana yesterday morning and appeared shortly afterwards at a press conference hosted by the promoters at the Avenue of the Republic offices of Abdool and Abdools Insurance Brokers.
The bravado and caustic remarks that characterize these occasions were main features as each boxer spared no pains to describe what they have in store for each other. Both principals are spouting confidence and their promises of securing knockouts at different junctures of the 12 rounds contest ought not to be regarded as just idle talk.
Braithwaite was the aggressor and threw the first salvo, “I will knock you out!” he told Cox to his face. Cox remained nonplussed and told the former WBC Cruiserweight champion that he is dreaming. He then reversed the retort, telling Braithwaite that he will be the one to kiss the canvass.
Both boxers sported physiques the likes of wrestlers and after voicing the threats, flexed their bulging muscles for emphasis. Both are solid hunks and will tip the scale tonight with individual body poundage in excess of 225 pounds. Braithwaite is so confident of knocking out his man that already he is planning ahead and is confident of adding another accolade to his already bulging collection. Apart from the WBC cruiserweight title, Braithwaite has won the North American Boxing Federation, the WBC International, the WBC and the WBA Fedalatin titles. “And when the smoke is cleared, I will add the WBC CABOFE title to my collection,” he assured.
‘The Truck’ will do well to note that Cox is no slouch. He has compiled an impressive 17-1 record that ought not to be taken lightly. His only loss came at the hands of Italian heavyweight champion, Salvatore Erritu. Otherwise, most of his opponents were beaten to a pulp with his latest victim, local heavyweight champion, Kurt Bess lasting just over two minutes before crashing to the canvass. He was then rushed to the hospital for a cursory check after remaining poleaxed for the better part of 5 minutes.
Over the past year, Cox has been very active after appearing on several editions of the monthly ProAm boxing affair. He has disposed of all comers including Leon ‘The Lion’ Gilkes and Anthony Augustin and is promising a similar portion to Braithwaite. A victory for any of the fighters would put them in line for lucrative fights and purses in the imminent WBC 50th anniversary celebrations tournament. If there is any incentive to propel these two to dig deep, this is it and if the instant dislike of each other is extended to the ‘square jungle’ then boxing buffs would do well to take their seats well before the bout gets underway or risk not seeing any of it.
Barbadian, Miguel Antoine and local boy, Revlon Lake has much in common. They have both defeated Mark Austin and each enjoys a victory apiece. However, Lake feels that his decisive 8th round knockout makes him the superior boxer. However, Antoine has defeated Lake twice in Barbados and said he has the tools to do it again. The 24 years old Bajan has compiled an impeccable 17-0 record and has promised to leave the ring with an 18-0 record. He did not say he will win by knockout but did promise to retain his invincibility. “We will see about that,” retorted Lake. He pointed out that one of the losses to Antoine was surrendered under dubious circumstance where the referee had been cited for impartiality. “This time the situation is different as I am an improved fighter and I know I will win,” said Lake. He reminded that he is a late fighter and pointed out that he gets stronger as the fight progresses.
The other overseas based boxers will touch down in Guyana today. They include Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry, Trinidadian, Kevin Placide and Barbadian, Selwyn Lett. The latter fighter matches gloves with Dharry while Placide faces local middleweight, Edmond DeClou.
Braithwaite is scheduled to spend a few hours among the revelers during the Mashramani celebrations today on the Banks ‘Big Truck.’ He will then return to his hotel to relax before joining the other fighters at the pre-fight press conference at NCN Studios, Homestretch Avenue later this afternoon. The boxers then go to the weigh-in tonight at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.  Several important boxing affiliates will also grace this occasion including legendary Trinidad and Tobago manager and promoter, Boxo Potts and President of the women’s arm of the WBC, Ed Pearson.
The bouts will not be televised live and fans will not be treated to the usual appearance of amateur boxers. The admission price is $3,000 for ringside and half that amount for stands. The action gets underway at 20:00hrs sharp.

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