Newly crowned World Boxing Association featherweight champion, Nicholas Walters (right), with managing director of J. Wray & Nephew, Paul Henriques, at the J. Wray & Nephew head office, Spanish Town Road, during the boxer’s road tour on Monday afternoon. – Contributed
World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Nicholas ‘The Axeman’ Walters surprised several of his supporters on Monday when he did a mini tour of Kingston. He took the time to visit the offices of three companies – Stewart’s Automotives, Advantage General Insurance and J. Wray & Nephew.
With his victory over Colombian contender Daulis Prescott over a month ago, Walters not only added the coveted WBA title to his impressive record of 22 wins, but created history when he became the first Jamaican boxer to win a world title on home soil. Now, the lively boxer, who celebrated his 27th birthday on January 4, is looking forward to defending his new title in May, and is hoping he’ll get to do this in front of a home audience in Kingston.
The tour kicked off at Stewart’s Automotive’s BMW location where Nicholas picked up his stylish Mini Cooper to travel in style with his parents and girlfriend. Then it was off to Advantage General where he was greeted with great amount of excitement. His visit created such a buzz that while in the claims department, an enthusiastic Marlon Brown, safety and security officer, told Walters’ escorts to ensure that the champion stopped by his desk afterwards as he wanted to challenge him. Walters, of course, obliged and good-naturedly sparred with Brown, who also got the chance to try on the champion’s belt.
Walters was overwhelmed by the support he got.
“I am really happy that we got to do this. It’s really when I see the people’s reaction in person that I am even more motivated to keep doing what I am doing because they love it. I did this for Jamaica, and I am telling you the best is yet to come.”
Overwhelmed
Walters’ father and mentor, Job, was visibly overwhelmed by and appreciative of the love and support which his son received at each stop, saying to staff during the Advantage General visit that “your support of Nick’s career is what helped him win the title.”
The day’s final stop at Wray and Nephew came in the form of an elegant late lunch hosted by the company’s marketing executives Gary Dixon and Cecil Smith. Gary Dixon was especially glad for their partnership.
“As title sponsors of Rumble on Jamrock, Wray and Nephew is extremely proud to be associated with the event and Nicholas, a boxer who we see only great things for in the future,” Dixon said.
“I am really happy that we got to do this. It’s really when I see the people’s reaction in person that I am even more motivated to keep doing what I am doing because they love it.” – Walters.
