Clive Atwell to face toughest test when he tackles Venezuelan, Rafael Hernandez

Apr 09, 2013 Sports

GUYANA BOXING BOARD OF CONTROL REDEMPTION BOXING CARD …

By Michael Benjamin
When Clive Atwell engaged Prince Lee Isadore for the WBC CABOFE Lightweight title in October last year, many felt that the puny sized Guyanese pugilist had bitten off more than he could have chewed. Indeed, with a record of merely 9 fights, Atwell could have hardly earned the respect of the top pugilists of the sport. It took Atwell almost the duration of the fight to stop the tough Trinidadian (12th round TKO) and command some respect from local boxing buffs.

Clive Atwell

Two months later, Atwell enforced his position as a mighty force with a 3rd round knockout over Revlon Lake to take the local lightweight belt.
Earlier, in June last year, Atwell had faced off with Rudolph Fraser for, the local lightweight belt and by the end of the second round it was all over with Fraser groping at the ropes in an attempt to clear his dazed head.
By now Atwell had built quite a reputation for himself and finding reputable opponents for him was proving to be somewhat tedious for promoters. After strenuous searches, officials of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) managed to clinch a fight for the Guyanese and on April 20 Atwell will square off with Venezuelan, Rafael Hernandez for the WBC CABOFE featherweight title at the Princess Hotel International, Providence EBD, on a card appropriately dubbed ‘Fire Storm.’
Hernandez, a native of Elorza, Apure Venezuela, has won 15 fights with 13 of them ending inside the distance. He has lost 3 bouts while 2 ended in drawn decisions. After boxing for 98 rounds, the Venezuelan boasts a knockout ratio of 61.9%.
Atwell has a record of 9 fights and his only blemish is a drawn decision against his countryman, Mark Austin. He has boxed 38 rounds with a knockout ratio of 50%. Atwell has patrolled several divisions including bantamweight, featherweight and lightweight and has defeated all comers. What is indeed meritorious is that Atwell had climbed to the lightweight division after campaigning in the featherweight division and brutally knocked out the more seasoned Revlon Lake.
Hernandez stripped off his shirt in December 2003 during which time Atwell was still plying his trade as an amateur boxer. Hernandez had a good start to his professional career reeling off 3 victories before he fought his countryman Joel Romero in a fight that ended in a no contest. He then lost to Jaider Parra but rebounded with 4 wins (3 by knockouts). Hernandez then surrendered a bout to Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym of Thailand but has registered knockout victories in his last two outings; he defeated Columbian fighters, Jose Zuniga (KO 1) and Jelier Pacheco (KO 1). Kaieteur Sport was reliably informed that Hernandez has shifted camp to the USA since he has heard a lot about Atwell and is taking no chances.
Meanwhile, Atwell said that he is aware of his opponent’s record but he is far from impressed much less fearful of the Venezuelan. Atwell has opened camp under the watchful eyes of Lennox ‘Cappel’ Daniels and Terrence Poole. He is also blessed with a team of advisors including Dexter Patterson and Max Messiah, while Managing Director of Town to Country Real Estate, Eurie Hohenkirk, is offering worthwhile financial and other support coupled with useful advice.
The triple champion has exuded confidence of winning the upcoming bout saying that he intends to be in the best shape of his life. He said that he has perused a few tapes of his opponents and is confident that he (Atwell) could come out victorious.
Mr. Messiah was also confident that his charge will win the bout. However, he admits that Hernandez will not be a walkover. “We have recently learned that Hernandez has shifted camp to the USA and we are taking no chances with our preparations,” said Messiah.
Mr. Eurie Hohenkirk explained that his role in Atwell’s boxing life is also to provide support as well as issue advice. The Managing Director of Town to Country Real Estate said that he is impressed with Atwell’s work ethic and his dedication to the sport.
Several other bouts will comprise the card including the main bout between Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman against Jamaican, Sakima Mullings for the World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation (WBACABOFE) and the World Boxing Association Fede Caribe (WBAFEDCAR) welterweight belts. Then there are the bouts featuring Mark Austin against Gladwin Dorway for the local welterweight belt and the Syrian boxer, Mahmood ‘The Extractor’ Loul, against Berbician, Derick Richmond in a 4 round super/middleweight bout.
Elton ‘The Bully’ Dharry will also be in action against Hewley Robinson for the local bantamweight title, while Republican amateur lightweight boxer, Nankumar Singh appears in the ring after a long hiatus against another top amateur fighter. There will also be a bout between two female amateur boxers.