World Boxing Council cruiserweight champion Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite is looking more the challenger leading up to his defence against Italian Vincenzo Cantatore.
Yesterday Braithwaite confirmed that the run around usually associated with challengers is now being endured by the champion as notice of the first official postponement of a rematch scheduled for June 28 was received.
The latest issue has raised concerns in some quarters that the Guyanese is in for another `long haul’ much like last year. No reason was forwarded for the postponement of the bout which is being promoted by an Italian company.
“They gave me notice late last month that the new date was July 19,” Braithwaite told Stabroek Sport in a telephone interview from his Brooklyn New York home.
“I think that they are trying the same thing again but we are going along with the new date. This is not troubling me but is just making it bad for him,” the champion said.
Last year while both were challengers for the vacant WBC title, Braithwaite endured the royal run around and several postponements before the fight was finally held on October 11 in Italy.
On that day the native of Plaisance became the second representative from this country to snatch a world title when he stopped Cantatore in the 10th round.
Braithwaite made a successful defence of the title in February (stopping Ravea Springs in round four) before the WBC surprisingly named Cantatore the mandatory challenger although O’Neil Bell is ranked number one.
“Cantatore doesn’t want to fight me. He is being forced by his manager. He doesn’t want to feel my punches again, it’s just his manager forcing the issue,” the champion added.
Braithwaite, who claimed that he is now without the service of a manager, said that he found the actions of the WBC and the entire episode strange but warned that he will not be caught off guard.
“They could do whatever they want I’ll be ready when the time comes,” Braithwaite said. Cantatore gained the home advantage for the upcoming title fight when the purse bid was won by an Italian company OPI 2000.
The venue for the rematch will be announced this weekend. Braithwaite, who will turn 28 on August 9 is undefeated in 19 fights with 16 via the knockout route.
The champion has been sparring with compatriots Andre `Stone’ Purlette, John Douglas and several New Yorkers for his second title defence.