WORLD champions Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite and “Vicious” Vivian Harris are due to start a visit to their motherland together for second time, today, this time the guests of Holland Entertainment Promotions (HEP), in collaboration with Briso.
Braithwaite and Harris’ trip coincides with the historic world title clash on Saturday at the National Park, dubbed “The Clash in the Park” in which local strong woman Gwendolyn “Stealth Bomber” O’Neil will meet American Kathy Rivers for the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) and the International Female Boxing Association (IFBA) light heavyweight titles.
The duo made a triumphant visit in November, 2002, after capturing two more world titles for Guyana, a week apart in October. Braithwaite first put away Vincenzo Cantatore round ten on October 11 for the World Boxing Council Cruiserweight title and Harris stopped Diosblyes Hurtado in round two for the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Association (IBA) Junior Welterweight belt on October 19.
Braithwaite has since defended his title three times, two times last year and once this year.
He first put away American Ravea Springs within four rounds in Miami in February, then disposed of Luis Andres Pineda in the first round in December in Altantic City, both last year. His latest defence in April at the mecca of boxing Madison Square Gardens unusually went its distance but Braithwaite got a unanimous decision over Louis Azille. He next
Harris defended his title twice, the first time against Soulemayne M’baye last July in Las Vegas by unanimous decision. Then on the same day, Braithwaite was defending his title, Harris battled with Oktay Urkal in Berlin, Germany. He next defends the WBA crown against Miguel Angel Cotto on September 11 in Puerto Rico.
Both boxers have a glittering career, but while Braithwaite is unbeaten in the professional ring, Harris lost a unanimous decision to Ray Oliveira, February 25, 2000 in Rhode Island and has a drawn match against Ivan Robinson on August 11, 2000. Harris actually “won” the fight on each of the three judges scorecard but due to the “majority scoring system” for this fight, the final result was a draw.
The two world champions will touch down at 6:05 hours on a North American Airlines flight and they will be welcomed in the VIP lounge, meeting the media there then journey to the city in a motorcade.
From the East Bank Demerara Public Road, the motorcade will move along Mandela Avenue, turn west into Durban Street, north into Camp Street, west into Croal Street, north into Avenue of the Republic, east into Regent Street, and into the City Hall compound.
The official programme for the boxers runs to Sunday. Tomorrow is a Victory Lime at the National Park starting from 14:30 hrs. Admission is free.
Braithwaite and Harris will be involved in a Meet the People tour on Thursday and they will also pay courtesy calls on Minister of Sport Gail Teixeira and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin, among others.
The next appearance for the world champions is at the weigh-in for the principals of the Clash in the Park at La Familia Country Club, South Ruimveldt, from 19:00 hrs after which there will be a Victory Party for the duo when their last fights will be shown on a big screen.
Rivers will not arrive today as originally planned because of a flight delay, but will be here tomorrow night.