The Government of Guyana has promised two plots of land and 10 million dollars to boxers Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite and `Vicious’ Vivian Harris as tokens of appreciation for winning world titles.
Stabroek Sport understands that government will give the boxers five million dollars each. The money is to assist in the construction of a house which will be built on the land donated.
Braithwaite won the WBC cruiserweight title on October 11 after knocking out Vincenzo Cantatore in round 10.
Eight days later Harris snatched the WBA and the IBA titles in dramatic fashion after taking less than two rounds to leave then champion Diobelys Hurtardo in a heap.
The gifts churned out by government is reminiscent of that given to Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis when he became the first Guyanese fighting under the Golden Arrowhead to win a world title.
However, Lewis was `topped up’ with duty free concessions, one of which he used to bring in a Sports Utility Vehicle. But even as the government indulged in benevolence one boxing buff is of the opinion that the trainers of the two fighters should have been included.
Lennox Blackmore, who trains Harris and Maurice `Bizzy’ Boyce and Colin Morgan (Braithwaite’s trainers) are all Guyanese.
“Vivian Harris and Wayne Braithwaite didn’t get to there just like that. Guyana owes it to Morgan, Blackmore and Boyce too. It with the help of these three that Guyana can now enjoy two world champions,” the boxing knowledgeable declared.