World boxing champions `Vicious' Vivian Harris and Wayne `Big Truck' Braithwaite rolled into Georgetown yesterday to lend support to their countrywoman Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber' O'Neil for her world title bid on Saturday night.
They were not afforded the VIP welcome which is usually offered to persons of their stature, since they were forced to join the immigration and customs lines with other passengers who arrived on the North American Airlines flight.
Holland's Entertainment Promotions (HEP) Public Relations Officer Sean Devers said HEP was promised that the two world title holders would be escorted through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport's VIP Lounge. However, this did not materialize. The officer on duty at the time said he was not in receipt of the letter from the relevant authority, authorising HEP the use of the lounge.
And again, after clearing immigration and customs, local supporters and members of the media were the only people on hand to greet the champions. Noticeably missing were government and Guyana Boxing Board of Control officials. However, they were afforded the honour of a motorcade with police escort from the airport to their hotel accommodation - Regency Suites.
Later in the day, they met Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and city councillors at City Hall.
Braithwaite, the World Boxing Council's cruiserweight champion and Harris, the World Boxing Association's junior welterweight champion both said they felt good about coming home since it is always nice to be among their local fans.
Braithwaite, who injured his fist while defending his title for the third time on April 17 said he plans to get back into the ring on October 2. Since his last title defence against Louis Azille, he has not done any training because of the injury.
However, he said he plans to get back into training before his two-week vacation in Guyana is over. Braithwaite's right hand was still strapped when he arrived yesterday.
He is due to fight on a Don King Promotions card which features Felix Trinidad against Ricardo Mayorga.
Braithwaite said the injury sustained was not serious and did not require surgery. But veteran trainer Maurice `Busy' Boyce told Stabroek Sport that Braithwaite was advised to take surgery. However, he said Braithwaite was not keen on that step, since he is aware that most fighters who have surgery for that type of injury do not recover and their boxing careers end early.
Braithwaite said while he was in the US, he was undergoing therapy for the injury three times per week.
Harris who seemed tired on arrival said his main focus now is to be undisputed junior welterweight champion of the world.
Harris and Braithwaite wished O'Neil well on Saturday. "I wish O'Neil well on Saturday and I know she can do it," Harris stated. Braithwaite advised her to remain focused and listen to her corner.
During their journey to the city, the motorcade stopped at Grove, East Bank Demerara to allow the two champions to meet residents and students of the Grove Nursery School. They both took photographs with the toddlers.
The two also chatted and took photographs with students from Leslyn's Academy which is situated close to the Regency Hotel on Hadfield Street.
City Councillor Pat Chase-Green who chaired the proceedings at City Hall welcomed the duo to Georgetown and congratulated them for successfully defending their respective titles.
Mayor Green also welcomed them and said he hoped the preparations for Saturday's world title fight were well organised and successful. He wished O'Neil good luck and used the opportunity to invite the public to support the card on Saturday.
"These days when we are not doing so well in cricket, we have to depend on our boxers to keep our flag flying," Mayor Green stated adding, "I hope O'Neil will come out victorious so it will serve as a catalyst for our youths."
Harris and Braithwaite thanked HEP for inviting them.
They also thanked North American Airlines for supporting them in getting back home.