by Jason Peck
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At the present, there isn't a undisputed cruiserweight champion. The last time anyone can remember an undisputed reign was back in '88, when Evander Holyfield TKO'd Carlos DeLeon to capture the three title belts. As for now, the four major belts are divided between four different competitors, each hungry to for shot at history.
When October 2nd rolls around, everyone knows Felix Trinidad is fighting Ricardo Mayorga in a historic bout, but the fans might miss the undercard where Braithwaite fights WBA champ Jean-Marc Mormeck, in an event that could electrify the often-dismissed division and be no less historic.
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He's held the title for two years now, since former champion Juan Carlos Gomez vacated his belts for a shot at heavyweight stardom. In ten rounds Braithwaite stopped Vincenzo Catatore in Italy for the belt in February, 2003. He has since defended it three times, stopping Ravea Springs in four rounds, Luis Andres Pineda in one and Luis Azille by a lopsided unanimous decision.
But Mormeck was the first to speak out, calling attention to his ring experience as the deciding factor in the next fight. Mormeck has fought in 32 fights to Braithwaite's 21, but the young fighter is quick to point out the differences in "experience."
"He's had more fights, Braithwaite told TalkingBoxing, "but who has he fought? I've been fighting since I was five years old."
Braithwaite is calling for a good fight, although the fighter who was nicknamed "Big Truck" in Guyana for knocking people out with the force of an 18-wheeler is calling for a more technical bout. At the end of 12 rounds, however, Braithwaite there can be only one winner.
"I'll have the belts united in a year," Braithwaite told TalkingBoxing. All that stands in his way in Kelvin Davis, who Braithwaite said "thinks he's Mike Tyson."
"I'll fight anyone," Braithwaite said. "It doesn't matter to me. I'll fight anyone."
