SPORTSMAN of the Year Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite steps into the ring tonight for a second time to defend the World Boxing Council Cruiserweight belt, raring to go.

Guyana’s second world champion comes up against Luis Pineda of Panama on a star-studded card promoted by Don King Promotions, with eight world championship fights, but unfortunately just five of the bouts will be broadcast live on television and Braithwaite’s is not one of them.

Braithwaite goes into the ring at the Board Walk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with 19 victories in as many professional fights, the last two world championship bouts, both ending in knockouts - and 16 falling short of the scheduled distance.

Pineda has 17 wins with 15 knockouts, but the record is also tainted with three losses, and Braithwaite is not worried although he does not know much of him.

“I’ve seen a tape of. Pineda. He throws big punches but it’s nothing to worry about,” Braithwaite said.

Braithwaite changed gyms in preparation for this second title defence, as the cruiserweight limit was raised to 200 lb, a move that does not worry the champion.

“It won’t make a difference either way. I never had a problem making 190 before, but it’s just less weight for me to worry about now. If anything, I’ll just be stronger,” Braithwaite was reported as saying.

The Truck had a long and frustrating wait to take the world title, eventually putting away Italian Vincenzo Cantatore in what critics considered an unconvincing win.

However, Braithwaite was awarded the prestigious Sportsman-of-the-Year title, getting the nod over compatriot ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris who had given Guyana the country’s third world title in about a week after Braithwaite’s.

Braithwaite was back in the ring on February 21 in Miami and put away challenger American Rivea Springs in just four rounds, gaining a technical knockout.

With the victory before a nationally televised audience the WBC champion made a strong case to be considered the premier cruiserweight in the weight division.

Sitting at ringside was James ‘Lights Out’ Toney, the man who could afford Braithwaite his biggest payday and most difficult challenge.

But that fight will not materialise as Toney gave up the International Boxing Federation title. However, Braithwaite is still optimistic of fighting him.

“Well, that’s too bad because we would have had a great fight. But you never know what will happen down the line. We could still fight,” Braithwaite said.

Despite knocking the senses of Springs with heavy artillery, many still consider his fight for the North American Boxing Federation cruiserweight title as his best performance to date. He inflicted a first loss on Dale Brown with an eight-round TKO.

Now Braithwaite is featured among stars on tonight’s card and really wants to establish himself as the undisputed cruiserweight champion.