Wayne `Big Truck' Braithwaite is not the quintessential Guyanese boxer. In fact he more fills the role of a modern day stand up comic.

Braithwaite maybe was born to clown around. He does while training and even when sparring which has brought a few warnings from trainer Colin Morgan and former Commonwealth featherweight champion Patrick Ford.

"Wayne in a fun guy. He is a baby," Forde said when Stabroek Sport visited the Gleason's Gym in New York where the WBC number one ranked cruiserweight is preparing for a June 1 world title fight.

If Ford's opinion is to be taken seriously then it makes the power-punching Braithwaite a candidate for the split personality crown as not one of his 17 opponents would call him a baby without them following up with either tornado or scud missile.

His pseudonym suggests just that. In a career which spans approximately six years Braithwaite, who was given the name `Big Truck' by then promoter Odinga Lumumba, ran over all comers.

A quick glance at his impressive record provides the answers to why Lumumba was forced to rechristen him and the reason he was voted the most fun to watch by Ring Magazine.

The 26-year-old is still undefeated in 17 fights and only two fighters have gone the distance with him. Ken Sharpe went twice and Lennox Lewis (not the heavyweight champion) once. Both fighters are from Trinidad and Tobago.

None of his last nine opponents were allowed to see the matching round and Canadian Dale Brown, who sustained a broken nose in the second round, remains one of two to survive past round seven.

Braithwaite has flattened a fair amount of world rated fighters and warmed up for the world title challenge with a third round whipping of top five rated Louis Azille.

Blaring his horns, the `Big Truck' warned that against Italian Vincezo Cantatore who he fights for the vacant World Boxing Council title, the strategy would be an eye for and eye and a (toot) for a (toot).

"I am going to give this a 200 percent effort. Fighting for a world title is something many boxers can only dream of. My dream has come true and I will be putting my very best into the effort," Braithwaite said.

Sporting a chiseled physique Braithwaite explained that the enviable position he now holds in the sport has only come through much dedication, focus and hard work.

Under the watchful eye of Morgan the Plaisance native commenced sparring last Wednesday and plans to be in Rome, Italy 10 days before the fight.

"I understand that the entire Guyana is looking forward to me capturing this crown and more so since `Sixhead' lost his belt. I can't let them down. Not now," Braithwaite promised.

Morgan has thrown in a few heavyweights to add some flavour to Braithwaite's sparring. Even old nemesis John Douglas has been recruited to provide glove work.

Questioned on if he knows anything of Cantatore who he will be fighting in his home town Braithwaite, ranked number by the WBO, third by the WBA and sixth by the IBF, answered in the negative. "I'm going there to fight. At the end someone will be knocked out and for sure it wouldn't be me."