Latest update December 23rd, 2024 3:40 AM
Clive Atwell remains confident as he resumes training in the USA
By Michael Benjamin
Local multiple champion, Clive Atwell, has arrived in the United States of America and resumed training at the famed Gleason’s Gym, Front Street, Brooklyn and though he has shifted training sites, the Guyanese pugilist has acclimatized and remains upbeat and confident that he will defeat World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, Johnny Gonzalez when the two face off for the latter fighter’s belt May 24 next.
Kaieteur Sport chatted briefly with Atwell shortly after he had completed his workout yesterday morning and he said that he is coping nicely with his new environment. He said that he has already commenced sparring sessions and engaged two Americans over 14 rounds yesterday morning. The triple champion further said that he has secured the services of fellow Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champion, Elton Dharry and the two are scheduled to commence sparring sessions this afternoon.
Clive Atwell
Quizzed on the experience so far Atwell said, “I sparred against two opponents for six and eight round respectively and it was good.” Atwell also admitted that he is somewhat amazed at the quality of boxers in the Gleason’s gym. “It’s a totally different skill level than home; the environment is rich with differing styles and there is never a dull moment,” he enthused.
Atwell noted the distinct difference in the American institution as against the local gyms and pronounced, “The gym here is a business place; no play; just get the job done.” He feels that the environment will help him to whip himself into the right mood and shape for the impending bout.
Atwell was also grateful for the input of head of Briso’s Promotions, Seon Bristol in his preparations. “Right now, Mr. Bristol and coach (Lennox Daniels) are doing a good job in handling my affairs and I am indeed grateful for that assistance,” said Atwell. “I’m leaving everything in their hands,” he pronounced.
Gonzalez was initially scheduled to defend his title against Abner Mares in a rematch but the bout was cancelled after the challenger suffered an injury during training sessions. Gonzalez then hand- picked fringe contender Atwell, who has won his last four fights against Glenroy Beckford, Anson Green, Rafael Hernandez and Revlon Lake.
The experts have labeled Gonzalez as unpredictable and one writer, Dan Ambrose, feels that he can be beaten if he’s matched against certain guys. “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this Atwell guy beats him on May 24th, because Gonzalez doesn’t take shots too well,” wrote Ambrose.
He said that Atwell is young, packs a punch and if he studies Gonzalez’s last fights he’ll have found out that the Mexican is vulnerable to the body, and he can be knocked out to the head if Atwell lands something big enough.
At 32, Gonzalez has seen better days and the evaluating journalist said that he’s still powerful as he’s always been, but he doesn’t look as sharp as he was 7 years ago. Gonzalez record reads 55-8 with 47 KO’s and he’s been a professional for the past 15 years, while Atwell is young and upcoming with 12-0-1 record with 7 KOs.
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