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Cox/Levedev to clash for (WBA) cruiserweight title
-‘Big Truck’ contracted for sparring duties
By Michael Benjamin
Following a sensational first round knockout victory over former World Boxing Council
Shawn Cox
(WBC) cruiserweight champion, Wayne ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, in the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Championships affair last month, Shawn ‘The Sniper’ Cox has received an offer, and will travel to Russia to fight Denis Levedev for the World Boxing Association (WBA) cruiserweight title on April 4 at the Crocus City Hall, Myakinino, Russia.
Reports also state that Braithwaite is currently in Russia where he will resume duties as Levedev’s sparring partner for the fight. Kaieteur Sport spoke with Sam Layne, Cox’s trainer, who confirmed that his fighter would arrive in the European country this month end for the all important fight.
The Barbadian coach could not confirm Braithwaite’s role in Levedev’s preparations, but said that he is confident that his charge will be a world champion when the smoke is cleared. He said that Cox is now a hero in his hometown and is anxious to continue winning major accolades for his country. However, Layne is a bit disappointed with the lukewarm reception his boxer received from the Barbadian Government following his victory over ‘Big Truck.’ “But we will keep trudging on because Cox is a special talent and we cannot allow this opportunity to pass him by,” said Layne.
Reminded that Cox is also in line for a possible crack at the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) heavyweight title should he succeed in the imminent fight against Levedev, Cox said that his charge has not aborted the opportunity but whichever way the fight goes, Cox still has an opportunity of procuring a similar accolade. “But we are winning this one,” exhorted the Barbadian Coach.
Elaborating on his fighter’s chances, Layne pointed out that even though Cox has challenged Braithwaite for the heavyweight title, he is really a cruiserweight and would have no problem adjusting for the imminent fight. “Shawn is a natural cruiserweight and even when he is not training hard, he walks around with about 209lbs,” said Layne. “He is strongest at this weight.”
He said that he expects Levedev to be a notch above previous fighters that Cox has engaged. He said he has structured the kind of training programme to enhance his fighter’s chances. “I will employ tactical approaches mixed with the right strategy to lift this title,” exhorted a confident Layne.
Asked to make a prediction, Layne intimated that his charge has confided in him and he is eying a knockout. “Shawn is the most devastating puncher in his division at this moment and there aren’t many that could stand up to his onslaught,” proclaimed Layne.
He said that Cox is working out at the Barbados National Stadium and is receiving adequate sparring sessions. Layne said that he is indeed grateful for the opportunity to participate in the local Fight Night Boxing cards in Guyana and has benefited immensely from the experience. He said that he now regards Guyana as his second home.
“After Shawn wins this title we will return to Guyana for some relaxation and to generally merge with the people,” said Layne. He confessed that while in Guyana, he has been treated like family and enjoys coming here.
While Cox has earned the right to fight for the title following his victory over Braithwaite, Levedev has excelled with a lopsided victory over James Toney in an interim bout for the WBA title late last year. Braithwaite was to have appeared on the same card for a fight against Ali Ismailov of Azerbaijan, but his opponent pulled out of the fight citing an injury sustained during training sessions.
Meanwhile, another Barbadian that was featured on the Friday Night Fights, Miguel Antoine, has been instructed to heighten his training for a possible fight on the card. Layne informed that he is currently awaiting word from the organisers.
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