Clive Atwell arrives for showdown with Fraser; confident of clinching victory

Jun 26, 2012 Sports

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The rhythmic sound of well coordinated punches as they slammed into the striking pads greeted the ear of the uninitiated passing the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) yesterday afternoon. Those venturing into the building were treated to a display of raw talent as Clive Atwell went through his paces in preparation for, arguably the toughest fight of his life, against Rudolph Fraser in the 24th edition of Friday Night Fight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, June 29 next.

Unbeaten so far in five fights, Atwell flew into Guyana from Dominica last Saturday morning and before the day was through, had visited the Ricola Boxing Gym, Agricola, where he opened camp for the fight. He later switched camps to the ALBG and yesterday afternoon he engaged in several tough rounds with Mark Austin and David Thomas. The latter fighter will commence his professional career in a 4 rounds jnr/welterweight scrap against Gladwin Dorway.
Atwell looked in the pink of condition and exuded similar confidence when quizzed on his ambitions for the bout. “I have great plans for Fraser; I have no intentions of losing this bout,” exhorted Atwell. He said that even amidst his confidence he will not take Fraser for granted since he (Fraser) has proven to be a dangerous customer in the past.
Indeed, from all indications Atwell means business. He approached his sessions in businesslike fashion and his punches were crisp and on target. On several occasions Thomas erred and was made to pay for his lapses.
Over at the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) Fraser was all business when he donned gloves with Simeon ‘Candyman’ Hardy. Fraser also looked in great shape and is also promising to turn in one of his best performances on his way to victory. He was initially matched against Elton ‘Coolie Bully’ Dharry but the latter fighter inexplicably pulled out of the fight prompting Fraser to label him a coward.
While Fraser had been disappointed by the turn of events, he remained unperturbed while promising to redirect his attention to Atwell. “It has been quite a while that I want to face off with Clive (Atwell) but he has never gathered the nerve to sign the contract; I am happy he has done so now,” said Fraser even as he promised to dish out a first class beating on the Dominican based pugilist.
Kwesi Jones was also training at the ALBG for his light/heavyweight bout against Berbician,  Kelsie George. Respected for his ‘come from behind’ knockout victory over Cleveland Fraser, Jones has emphatically stated that George will not last out the first round. “I don’t have time to waste with anyone that has more ambition than talent,” proclaimed Jones. He said that he has his eyes set on bigger things and regards George as a stepping stone. “I am really interested in matching gloves with Shawn Corbin or Lennox Alleyne but if George chooses to get ambitious I will just have to deal with him,” said Jones.
Indeed, George had had a torrid time in his first two fights, losing to Edmond DeClou and James Walcott. Despite his loss to Walcott, George did turn in a favourable performance and Jones will do well to enter the fight cautiously.
Jones went through his paces at the ALBG yesterday afternoon and looks to be in the pink of condition. He also sparred several rounds shortly before attacking the heavy bag and winding up with calisthenics.
Meanwhile, local middleweight champion, Edmond DeClou will put his title on the line against Trinidadian based Guyanese pugilist, Joel McRae.  DeClou had prevailed over McRae twice in earlier bouts but the latter fighter has since upped his game and obviously would be looking to reverse the decision. However, DeClou has been pretty active and has clinched the local middleweight belt as well as the Caribbean Boxing Federation middleweight belt. He is bursting with confidence.
McRae, on the other hand, would be out to distort DeClou’s ambitions which should set the stage for a grand showdown.  In their last bout the Trinidadian based McRae did turn in a good performance but found the slick DeClou too much for him. He has since promised to revise his strategy in preparation for the third encounter. His chance has finally come and fans will keenly await the fulfillment of his promise.
Four amateur bouts will also comprise the card and those activities will be recorded for airing one week later. Friday Night Fights is an initiative of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), the National Communications Network (NCN)   and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S). Admission prices are $1000 and $500 for adults and children respectively.

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