Braithwaite needed just 1:27 minutes to dispose of challenger Luis Pineda of Panama, to become the first Guyanese boxer to successfully defend a world title twice and may now go after the WBA belt.

Unfortunately, there were very few persons to witness the clinical finish of the Panamanian at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday night, the fight having been staged early on a star-studded card with an historic eight title bouts. Celebrities were arriving when Braithwaite wrapped up victory.

Singer Jermaine Jackson and his entourage were now uplifting their ringside pass when an official reported that the fight was finished in the first round, just around 18:00 hrs American time.

Ringside seconds, the experienced Maurice ‘Bizzy’ Boyce was ecstatic about the victory, having even counted the number of punches Braithwaite absorbed before putting away Pineda.

“The victory was great. Pineda was aggressive at the start of the fight. He pinned Braithwaite on the ropes and let go of 16 punches. Then it was the Truck’s turn and he could not take it. He threw an overhand right then a left hook and finished him with a right uppercut. It was just great,” Boyce said.

But trainer Colin Morgan was not surprised, having seen tapes of Pineda. He predicted that the Panamanian would not last two rounds.
“I didn’t expect it to go too long. I had given it the most two rounds. From the tapes I saw he came out strong with big punches. But he did not look like someone who fought with a lot of defence,” Morgan said.

Morgan disclosed that the champion would take a week’s rest and would be back in the ring because he trained all the time.

“He is always in shape so he does not have to lose weight for fights. In that way, if needs be, he can go 15 rounds. That’s what he trains for. It is only that his fights end so early now,” Morgan said.

The first Guyanese trainer to produce a Guyanese world champion dismissed suggestions that Braithwaite’s best fight so far has been against American Dale Brown for the North American Boxing Federation cruiserweight belt.

“That was the one people saw on television. Then the fights that came after finished early so there was not much to see. If Braithwaite were to fight Brown now, he (Brown) would not last two rounds,” Morgan declared.

Now Braithwaithe is aiming to meet O’Neil Bell, the WBC number one contender, but Bell meets Derrick Harmon in Illinois, Friday night on ESPN II, and the outcome is awaited, according to Morgan.

However, he ruled out any moves of Braithwaite going after the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt given up by James Toney, who Braithwaite was aiming to meet for a big payday.

Kelvin Davis recently beat Louis Azillo in an elimination bout and would next meet Vassily Jirov, and both men are under different promoters, thus ruling out an encounter with Braithwaithe who is under Don King.

Morgan said Braithwaite could more likely go for the World Boxing Association belt held by Frenchman Jean Marc Mormeck because the WBA champion is also promoted by King.

Braithwaite’s mother Claire accorded her son’s victory to a divine calling.

“We thank God for every victory. I feel great. God gave us another opportunity to defend the title. It feels good.”