21 years ago
Wayne Braithwaite vs Luis Andres Pineda
Date: 13th December 2003
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Title: WBC World Cruiserweight Title
Promoter: Don King
Referee: Eddie Cotton
Tv: HBO PPV
Wayne Braithwaite
(
19
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 189 lbs
Luis Andres Pineda
(
17
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 199 lbs
On December 13, 2003, Wayne Braithwaite successfully defended his WBC World Cruiserweight Title against Luis Andres Pineda at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This fight was part of a historic card featuring eight world championship bouts, promoted by Don King and broadcast on HBO PPV. Braithwaite, known as "Big Truck," entered the fight with an impressive record of 19-0, having won his title in a vacant bout against Vincenzo Cantatore in October 2002. He had previously defended his title against Ravea Springs in February 2003.
Braithwaite, from Georgetown, Guyana but based in Brooklyn, New York, faced Pineda, who weighed 199 lbs, significantly heavier than Braithwaite's 189 lbs. Despite the weight difference, Braithwaite dominated the fight, stopping Pineda via TKO at 1:27 of the first round. This victory improved Braithwaite's record to 20-0, with 17 of those wins coming by knockout. The quick finish highlighted Braithwaite's formidable punching power and defensive skills, which had become hallmarks of his career.
The event at Boardwalk Hall was notable for Braithwaite's performance and the sheer number of title fights on the card. Other notable bouts included John Ruiz vs. Hasim Rahman for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title, Cory Spinks vs. Ricardo Mayorga for the WBC and IBF World Welterweight Titles, and Bernard Hopkins vs. William Joppy for the WBC and IBF World Middleweight Titles. The card's diversity and depth underscored the strength of professional boxing during this period, with multiple weight classes represented and several top fighters competing.