Missed flight pushes back Braithwaite’s New York celebrations
- Champ to travel to Texas to support Vivian Harris
By Steve Ninvalle Stabroek News
October 15, 2002
Newly crowned World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite missed his flight out of Italy on Saturday morning forcing organisers of a welcoming ceremony in New York to push back plans.
His public relations consultant Seon Bristol confirmed on Sunday that the champion was expected in New York at approximately 6pm Sunday evening.
Bristol said among those expected to welcome Braithwaite were New York Council General Mike Evans and a number of well wishers. From the JFK Airport, Braithwaite was scheduled to attend a press conference at the Veggie Castle Restaurant.
Braithwaite won the vacant WBC title last Friday after stopping Italian Vincenzo Cantatore in round 10 of a scheduled 12-rounder in a town just outside Milan.
It was the second time that a Guyanese, fighting under Guyana colours, had won a world title. Bristol said that the undefeated champion has expressed a desire to travel to Texas later this week to watch compatriot ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris take on Cuban/American Diosbelys Hurtardo.
“He is very upbeat about going to Houston, Texas to support Vivian. He thinks that it can only help Vivian,” Bristol stated. Harris will attempt to become the third Guyanese after Andrew `Six Head” Lewis and Braithwaite to secure world titles.
Junior welterweight champion Hurtardo will have his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Association belts at stake.