'Big Truck', 'Vicious' 100% behind 'Stealth Bomber'
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
May 23, 2004
Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber' O'Neil's confidence leading up to Saturday's world title challenge was given a big boost when world champions `Vicious' Vivian Harris and Wayne `Big Truck' Braithwaite declared unconditional support for her.
On his way yesterday to witness the Floyd Mayweather versus DeMarcus Corley fight in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Harris said once O'Neil is focused and trains hard a victory is almost certain.
"I'll be giving her all the support that I can. I know that `Big Truck' will do so also. She has no other choice than to win. My advice to her is that she has to grab this opportunity with both hands since a win for her can open many doors," the WBA junior welterweight champion said.
The world-rated O'Neil and American Kathy Rivers clash on Saturday at the National Park in the first world title fight to be staged on Guyana soil. Rivers will put at stake her WIBA light heavyweight title.
Braithwaite, the WBC cruiserweight champion, while confirming his support for O'Neil said it is important that she does not get carried away by the reaction of the crowd. "I think that it is a good match up. O'Neil has to stick to her game plan and listen to her corners. She must not get carried away by the crowd," Braithwaite said.
"I think that she has what it takes and that's why I'll be there to support her," the world cruiserweight champion stated.
"She has to think positive, be focused. She must not underestimate her opponent and must know of her opponent's weaknesses and strengths," Harris added.
"There is one more thing that I have to tell her but that will remain a secret between the two of us. I'll tell her in her ears and she'll be alright after that," Harris said. Both Harris and Braithwaite will arrive in Guyana on Tuesday as special guest of Holland's Entertainment Promotions, the promoters of Saturday's card.
Rivers and her entourage are also expected on Tuesday.