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Clive Atwell heightens training sessions in preparation for Jamaican, Sakima Mullings
By Michael Benjamin
After suffering back to back losses, first in his world title bid to Johnny Gonsalves in Mexico and then to Kye Mackenzie in Australia, multiple
Atwell is all concentration as he pounds away at the heavy punching bag while Daniels intently observes in the background.
champion and world rater, Clive Atwell feels that he has expended the projected losses in his career and is ready to return to his winning ways.
Atwell returned to Guyana from his base in Dominica Tuesday afternoon and merely two hours after his arrival, opened camp at the Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis Boxing Gym (ALBG) in preparation for his upcoming bout against Jamaican ‘Contender’ champion, Sakima Mullings at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Saturday February 21.
Atwell is filling a void after Lewis, initially booked to oppose Mullings, sustained an injury to his neck during training sessions and was ruled out by the Board doctor, Max Hanoman. He approached his duties with gusto, under the watchful eyes of coach, Lennox Daniels and is rounding off nicely for the fight he views as extremely important to the continuance of his career.
Kaieteur Sport engaged Atwell moments after he had wrapped up sessions yesterday and he appeared confident as he advocated a comprehensive victory against the Jamaican next month end. “I have lost two fights in a row and I’ve always said to myself that should I lose thrice I will call it a day,” said Atwell when quizzed on his frame of mind for this fight.
He said that the two losses have inspired him to work harder to get his career back on track. Atwell debunked claims that he is so dejected after his losses that he would be psychologically affected for the impending fight. He said that despite losing to Gonsalves and Mackenzie, he is satisfied that he had given a good account of himself.
Atwell said that despite his two recent losses, he has learnt a few things and he intends to work on his shortcomings for the impending bout. “I realize that I have to settle down and land my power punches rather than punching and hustling to evade my opponent’s retaliation,” Atwell revealed. He also admitted that he was a mite impatient during those bouts that he had lost and he is now practicing to be more concentrative while being more selective with his punches.
Atwell admits that Mullings is a good fighter and said that he (Atwell) will have to bring his top game to the ring if he is to be victorious. “Mullings is strong and patient and I’ve never seen him get flustered during his fights irrespective of what his opponent offers up so I know that I will have to be at my best to defeat him,” Atwell admitted.
Yesterday afternoon, Atwell attacked the heavy punching bag with gusto, moments after pummeling the strike pads. He also improved his timings with a hectic session on the speed ball before finishing up with a lengthy period of skipping and intense abdominals exercises. He continues training sessions at the same venue this afternoon.
This fight will headline a 5 bouts card that will also see the return of CABOFE middleweight champion, Lindener, Edmond Declou after sustaining a broken jaw in a fight against Dereck Richmond in October 2013. This will be an 8 rounds middleweight contest and Declou has said that he has recovered sufficiently from the mishap to avenge the loss.
Another Lindener, Sharon Ward, will also grace the ring after a prolonged absence when she tackles Lorissa Rivas, an American of Trinidadian parentage, in a 6 rounds super/middleweight bout. Fans will also be entertained when former local and current CABOFE bantamweight champion, Dexter Marques, matches gloves with Quincy Gomes in a 6 rounds catchweight affair while in the card’s opener, local debutant, Travis Fraser will square off with Barbadian, Charwyn Eswick over 4 rounds.
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