Braithwaite's WBC title fight off
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
May 19, 2002
World Boxing Council number one rated cruiserweight boxer Guyanese Wayne `Big Truck' Braithwaite is disappointed that his June 1 ring date against Italian Vincenzo Cantatore has been postponed but promises to be ready whenever the new date arrives.
Speaking from his Brooklyn, New York home yesterday Braithwaite confirmed the postponement claiming that it just makes him more hungry.
Cantatore and the Guyanese should have met for the vacant WBC title but the Italian is reportedly suffering from sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve which resulted in the postponement.
"We expect to know by Monday (tomorrow) what is really happening. If, when and where the fight will be held. I was told that the postponement could be from two weeks up," Braithwaite said.
The handlers of Cantatore will fax a copy of his medical report to Braithwaite's camp.
"I guess the guy was just scared or something. This is a disappointment but I can't allow it to throw me off. I'll keep training as usual so whenever the big day comes I'll be ready as usual," the undefeated Braithwaite said.
Braithwaite's trainer Colin Morgan explained that the length of the postponement will depend on how serious the Italian's illness is. "That will tell if we will have to get a new opponent. His illness can act up at any time," Morgan said.
Since turning professional in 1996 Braithwaite has racked up a record of 17 victories with 15 knockouts.