After not seeing each other for over two years Wayne Braithwaite and Louis Azille once again came face to face yesterday and the greetings were far from pleasant.
The occasion was the pre- fight press conference at Madison Square Garden. Pounding his fist against the podium, the shorter Azille, (18-2-2, 15 KOs) vowed that this time the result would be different compared to when they first met. He claimed that then he was not in top condition.
"I was hurt the last time. This time we had a good six weeks. It's gonna be different," the challenger said. "I'm going home with the belt."
Azille, ranked 14th by the WBC, will try to avenge a third-round knock-out suffered at the stone-hands of Braithwaite when they first met in November 2001. Then it was an elimination match to challenge for the world title which Braithwaite eventually won when he rolled over Vincento Cantatore.
Braithwaite and his entourage which included trainers Colin Morgan and Maurice `Bizzy' Boyce and mother Claire Small wore matching track suits to the event. The champion, described as one of the "baddest guys seen in boxing in a long time" by promoter Don King, was unusually reticent when he approached the microphone.
Wearing the flag of Guyana wrapped around his head and expressing gratitude to King for giving him the chance to do what he loves best (beating up opponents), Braithwaite promised to end Azille's career. "The first time was a mistake. This time it's a bigger mistake. I think that Azille is going to quit (boxing) after this," the champion said. Braithwaite and Azille will square off on Saturday night in the first of four fights to be televised on HBO Pay-Per-View.
A victory will further launch the undefeated Braithwaite into the history books of Guyana making him the first Guyanese boxer to successfully defend a world title three times.
Yesterday's press conference was chaired by Don King himself and included a short address from former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield who recently signed with King. It was disclosed that already over 12000 of the 17000 seats at the arena have been sold.