Jaykae: there’s much more to Traie than just knockout power

Jaykae and Duberry (centre) with the rest of the new team

AS someone in the cardigan and slippers years of existence, wrapping – always spelt with a “w” – conjures images of Christmas.

I am not completely out of step with modern culture.  I am aware rapping – always spelt without a “w” – is a very popular urban music genre that does not require singing in the traditional sense.

And Birmingham has one of the country’s best rappers in Jaykae, from Small Heath, who is currently singing the praises of cruiserweight prospect Traie Duberry. He is doing so as the Aston powerhouse’s advisor.

Next Saturday, October 12, on Tommy Owens’ show at the Holiday In, Birmingham Airport, Duberry begins a new chapter in his career. An opponent has yet to be named for the six rounder, but expect someone from overseas and not too demanding. Also expect Traie’s record to read 4-0 by evening’s end.

It will be Traie’s first fight under the McCracken’s gym banner after leaving Anthony Manning. He is now managed by Spencer McCracken Snr, trained by Dave Lovell and Spencer McCracken Jnr and advised by Jaykae.

Jaykae believes Birmingham has a very special boxing talent in 29-year-old Duberry. “I don’t get involved with fighters I don’t think can go all the way,” he told me. “He is a gentleman outside the ring, an animal inside it.”

At this stage it’s hard to assess Duberry’s full potential because his three bouts to date span less than seven rounds. He was a good, but not exceptional amateur, for Aston ABC.

We know he can wallop and has the honed, muscular physique reminiscent of Evander Holyfield. The man certainly oozes menace.

How will he react when put under pressure, when hit by bombs? Has he stamina for long haul contests? Those are questions yet to be answered.

Jaykae stressed Duberry is much more than a power merchant. He is very fast for his size,” he said. “He has a great jab. People talk about the power, the backhand, but his jab is really underrated. He’s a lot more than a just a big lump coming at you.

“Get next Saturday out of the way and a Midlands title next. I’d like to see him get some rounds.”

The way Traie hits, next week’s opponent may become horizontal sooner rather than later.

“It’s good to have a big lump like Traie in the (McCracken’s) gym because we haven’t had one before, added Jaykae.

“There is a lot happening in Birmingham with big promoters putting on shows and Traie can be a part of it.

“I’d throw Traie in the mix now, in 50-50 fights. I’ve seen him spar with some of the best at British and European level.”

Next week fans have the chance to watch a fighter being touted as Birmingham’s next big thing. I’d simply urge them to try not to blink while doing it.