Is Clive Atwell’s trek to the world title sweet dreams or stark reality?

May 21, 2014 Sports

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Asks Michael Benjamin
The late Cliff Anderson taught me to box and I still vividly remember his short, dumpy figure trudging along Mandela Avenue with a Guyana Defence Force duffel bag, laden with boxing gear, heading to the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School to conduct sessions after school was dismissed. That was some 35 odd years ago.

Cliff, as he was familiarly called by all and sundry, was very meticulous in his dispensation of knowledge of the sport and took special pride in molding the youngsters under his care. I vividly remembered one of the most important remarks Cliff has uttered during one of his frequent rap sessions after training. He simply said, “Boys, boxing is a microcosm of life.” This is a terse declaration that remains with me even up to today when my active days in the ‘square jungle’ have expired.
I nurture great pride and satisfaction whenever a Guyanese boxer wins a major title. I have documented the arduous journey of Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis during his preparations for the World Boxing Association welterweight title against American, James Paige and was among the throngs that welcomed him back to these shores after his sweet victory. I have experienced similar pride and satisfaction when several other Guyanese, the likes of Wayne Braithwaite, Vivian Harris, Gairy StClair, Gwendolyn O’Neil and Shondell Alfred emulated Lewis’ feat.
I have boldly predicted wins for these locals but today, it is with much anxiety and trepidation that I await the results of the Clive Atwell/Jhonny Gonzalez showdown this Saturday night, May 24, at the Convention Center in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, knowing that despite the hype and fanfare from his camp Atwell might not have received a fair deal and might have even been cajoled into a bout that might have been two or three bouts premature.
I have spoken to Atwell before he left Guyana for the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn NY where he had rounded off his training sessions; I listened to the many views pertaining to his chances of ‘bringing home the bacon ’and the general consensus seems to suggest that the local multiple champion is way out of his league and would merely be fodder for Gonzalez.
Be that as it may, I am forced to examine the issue from a more all round perspective than most and would venture to say that Atwell’s battle is not only against Gonzalez. Many would suggest that boxing is individualistic for when the bell rings, it is the two boxers that have to punch it out. I beg to differ; though the actual fight is between the two boxers—in this case, Atwell and Gonzalez, the input of team Atwell will make quite a difference.
Now who is Team Atwell and what is this input of which I speak?   Team Atwell is his manager (s), trainers, advisers and coach(es). There are times that I am forced to analyze a situation based on information and/or knowledge that I may possess quite unlike the average fan. It is based on observations and my own experiences in the square jungle that I nurture this (unfounded) suspicion that all is certainly not well in Harlem.
Through the grapevines I have learned of the veiled suggestion by Atwell’s management team, calls themselves, ‘Dog Pound’ of an extension on the contract (which is almost expired) for another couple of years. Now, I have known of managers that have suggested extensions on the verge of world title and other lucrative titles for their charges. However, this request is premised on the success of the fighter in the fight in question and not necessarily because the manager had procured that bout; this is a part of his contractual obligations in the very first place.
Then there is that all important issue of adequate and/or reasonable remuneration. The boxer is a product and his skills are tied to market value. Purses are earned through skillful negotiation and the fighter’s world ratings and his record are prime variables in arriving at purses. Thus there may be some amount of discrimination from one boxer to another.

Even with this rationale, it boggles the mind and I am tempted to query what were the considerations and/or rationale that dictated and/or determined the reported US$15,000 purse offered to Atwell. Is this the best that Atwell’s management could have done?  Usually, the manager’s cut amounts to 33 1/3 % while the coach’s pay is 12% from the principal. Further, the manager’s input into the boxer’s preparation is usually treated as a loan and is deducted from his purse. If Atwell’s management goes the hard line and sticks to a rigid business arrangement then his take home pay would hardly be able to take him home. Additionally, should Atwell, currently enjoying a number 12 rating by the WBC, lose the fight—God forbids——one wonders whether his management team has contingency plans in place for the continuation of his career.
Earlier, I had mentioned the late Cliff Anderson and his methodology of preparing his charges. Since then the applications have undergone a technological metamorphosis. Notwithstanding, I remain firm in my belief that discussions, lectures and group analysis are important ingredients to the boxer’s development and preparations, especially for top echelon fights. I cannot say that I have observed much of that during Atwell’s preparations.
Make no bones about it; a fighter could travel worldwide to procure the best training available but in the final analysis what transpires in his corner on fight night will be the determinant of the outcome of the bout. Ironically, what transpires in his corner on fight night will be reflective of the sum total of his preparations. His mental and physical energies will merge to gel into a unit that will determine the outcome of the bout. As one examines Atwell’s preparations, his internal structures—management, preparation, remuneration et al—one is tempted to query whether he enters this fight with a chance or is it plain wishful thinking.
Atwell left New York for Acapulco early yesterday morning. Win, lose or draw his life will go on. This single fight could change Atwell. One wonders when all is taken into consideration whether that change is for better or worse. Only time will tell.
Kaieteur Sport extends good luck to Atwell and urges the entire nation to support him mentally and in prayers. Such a national effort deserves nothing less.

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