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From the archive · December 13, 2003

Wayne Braithwaite vs Luis Andres Pineda

WBC World Cruiserweight Title · Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, USA

Wayne Braithwaite

Record 19-0-0 · 189 lb

Luis Andres Pineda

Record 17-3-0 · 199 lb

Wayne Braithwaite vs Luis Andres Pineda, Saturday, December 13, 2003

The fight

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.