Veteran promoter predicts challenging bout but feels Atwell could clinch crown

May 14, 2014 Sports

By Michael Benjamin
Just under two weeks before local multiple boxing champion, Clive Atwell, engages World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, Mexican, Johnny Gonzalez, for the latter fighter’s belt May 24 next, popular local promoter and boxing knowledgeable, Keith ‘Buckilo’ Bazilio is adamant that though Atwell and his management team are oozing confidence, they should have deferred this bout for a later date and opted instead for a warm up fight on the very card.

Clive Atwell

Bazilio, a former boxer, manager and promoter extended this and other views pertaining to the bout in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur Sport at his South Ruimveldt home yesterday afternoon. “Naturally, Clive will feel he stands a chance, and maybe he does, but from a manager’s point of view I would not have taken such a tough fight for Clive at this juncture of his career,” expounded Bazilio. He said that the nurturing process dictates that a manager shield his charge from dangerous fighters until he is seasoned enough to confidently take on the challenge. “Instead, I would have deferred that particular bout, opting instead for a more manageable opponent (on the very card) with the assurance of clinching the Gonzalez fight at a later date,” opined Bazilio.
Bazilio said that he is also wary of the fact that Atwell will be fighting in strange climatic conditions and in front of a hostile crowd. “This, coupled with his inexperience fighting at this level is indeed detrimental and tips the scales against him,” explained Bazilio.
Bazilio was also critical of the meager purse offered for the fight. “I find it hard to believe that Atwell would be fighting for US$15,000; it just does not add up,” he said. Bazilio said that in these days when boxers are paid handsomely for fights at that level, Atwell’s negotiators should have argued for a more reasonable purse.
However, the veteran boxing promoter said that despite the odds Atwell stands a reasonable chance of clinching a points decision but he must endeavour to last the first four rounds. “During my days of active promotion I have noted that Spanish fighters are more susceptible to body punches and were I in his corner I would advise Atwell to attack the body in the early stages of the fight,” said Bazilio. He said that once Atwell lasts out the first four rounds he would be able to study Gonzalez and adapt to his style and later in the fight he (Atwell) could turn up the heat. “Atwell is a disciplined fighter and is always well conditioned so I don’t think he’ll have a fitness problem,” continued Bazilio.
Indeed, Bazilio can be credited for contracting capable Spanish fighters that have entertained local pundits, the likes of Juan Batista, who engaged Darius Forde in a bantamweight encounter. Bazilio also promoted the Ernesto España/ Michael Benjamin bout for the Continental of Americas welterweight title. “I have travelled extensively to Spanish countries and have contracted many of their fighters so I feel qualified to assess their physical and mental strengths,” Bazilio exhorted.
Bazilio is also aware that Atwell would be fighting in adverse climatic conditions and opines that his ability to conform to the changes will be very important. Atwell has addressed this aspect of his preparations with special training where he wore a special mask to counteract the aforementioned climatic conditions. “He has a very good record but is still to fight quality fighters the likes of Gonzalez,” said Bazilio.
“I think he can pull off this fight but I do not think he will knock out Gonzalez,” Bazilio asserted. He said that Gonzalez has been involved in many tough fights and would not be an easy customer to dispose of. “Notwithstanding, Atwell’s stint at the Gleason’s Gym can serve him well especially since he could benefit from the input of his countrymen the likes of Lennox Blackmore, Seon Bristol, Colin Morgan and Dillon Carew, all outstanding coaches at that institution,” explained Bazilio.

Keith Bazilio

That apart, Bazilio said that the formalities are already attended to and despite the odds stacked against him, Atwell should concentrate on winning the fight. “I wish him well and urge him to take advantage of the opportunity; of course he also needs a little luck,” said Bazilio.
The veteran promoter further called on all Guyanese to support Atwell in his endeavours even as he urged the managers of the National Communication Network to go the extra mile to have the fight broadcast. “This is a national event and to my mind it should be given national prominence,” concluded Bazilio.
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.
Journalist, Dan Ambrose labeled Gonzalez as unpredictable and 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 feels that he’s still powerful as he’s always been, “but he doesn’t look as sharp as he was 7 years ago.” Gonzalez’s record reads 55-8 with 47 KO’s and he has been a professional for the past 15 years while Atwell is young and upcoming with 12-0-1 record with 7 KOs.