| Related Links: | Articles on boxing |
| Letters Menu | Archival Menu |
Minister Dale Bisnauth, who deputised for Sports Minister Gail Teixeira, and Director of Sport Neil Kumar, were among some of the government representatives who welcomed the visiting entourage.
The boxers flew into the country on North American Airlines, with each camp being given six free tickets for their entourage. The flight was delayed by some 45 minutes.
Officials of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control and other media personnel were not given passes by the airport authority to go on the tarmac to greet the boxers, but they made their way out to accord the champions the first welcome after they disembarked. A quick press briefing was entertained in the lounge.
Braithwaite brought home the World Boxing Council cruiserweight belt and Harris the World Boxing Association super-lightweight (junior-welterweight).
Minister Bisnauth said: “This is an inspirational moment. They have lifted us and they have given the country the lift it needs at this particular time.”
The minister said all Guyana was pleased and proud to have two ‘Guyanese heroes’ returning home after doing the country proud.
Braithwaite said he was happy to be back home and disclosed that he has a February date for his first title defence. He acknowledged there would be many who want his belt.
“I will not run from anybody,” Braithwaite declared.
An emotional Harris said: “I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life.”
Harris said that there was tremendous pressure on him to be fighting just about a week after Braithwaite had won his title.
“But that gave me extra strength,” Harris declared.
The WBA champion, who also holds the IBA title, said he knew he would knock out Diobleys Hurtado.
“I didn’t know I would knock him out so early,” Harris said.
The boxers then climbed into a specially constructed ring atop a pick-up for the journey to the city, with schoolchildren braving the rain to get a glimpse of the world champions.
But there was a long delay at the turn at the Timehri docks as officials U-turned to the airport, to ensure their luggage were in tact.
Eventually, the motorcade, complete with Police outriders, wended its way slowly to the city stopping in several villages for the boxers to acknowledge the welcome from Guyanese representing a wide cross-section of society.