Clive Atwell to challenge Dexter Gonsalves for FECARBOX lightweight crown

Sep 26, 2015 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin

The news that the fight between local welterweight champion, Iwan Azore and Dexter Gonsalves had to be aborted, after the former pugilist had incurred an unfortunate injury, has left boxing pundits, already anticipating the action, somewhat devastated.
Notwithstanding, the optimist believe that every disappointment make way for something better and this belief could not have been more appropriately endorsed upon the news that world rated fighter, Clive Atwell, has risen to the challenge and has agreed to face off with Gonsalves.
The promoters were elated by the news and immediately convened a press conference at the Avenue of the Republic office of Abdool and Abdool Insurance Brokers to break the good news. The two fighters are scheduled to face off at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal, ECD, on Saturday October 24 for the Fecarbox jnr/lightweight belt.
Usually a reticent boxer, Gonzalves uncharacteristically stepped out of his shell and boldly proclaimed that Atwell will not get past the fourth round. “I am 100% confident of taking this fight,” he proclaimed. Gonsalves said that he was disappointed after the bout with Azore was cancelled and could not believe it when Atwell stepped up to fill the breach.
Quizzed on his reason for accepting the fight and his chances of winning Gonsalves explained that he has detected a lot of flaws in Atwell’s arsenal and he (Gonsalves) would be going all out to exploit them. It was then that he ventured the prediction.
Atwell is currently in Dominica but one phone call was all that was needed for his presence. “Talk is cheap,” he blurted shortly after the connection was made. “The (Guyanese) public knows my ability but Dexter has every right to his opinion,” pronounced Atwell even as he promised to teach Gonsalves a lesson in the finer art of the sport.
Quizzed on his activity relevant to boxing, Atwell explained that he is engaged in light training and would be heightening activity almost immediately. In response to Gonsalves’ threat to knock him out Atwell retorted, “Talk is cheap and that is exactly what Dexter is doing, talking cheap.”
Goaded into making a similar prediction as that of his nemesis, Atwell hinged and retorted, “I go into the ring to win by any means necessary and if a knockout comes along, so be it.” He reminded that he is of world class quality and even pointed out that former WBC champion, Johnny Gonsalves had thought he was a walk over until the night of the fight. His remarks failed to impress Gonsalves who simply reiterated, “You will not go the distance; I am a much smarter fighter than you are!”
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), Peter Abdool, was ecstatic and said that fans could not have wanted a better replacement. He said that he has had great difficulties securing fights for Gonsalves and was worried of a suitable replacement. “It was a blessing in disguise since (Iwan) Azore could no longer be considered since his injury will sideline him for more than 6 weeks before he resumes training.
Mr. Abdool is also grateful to the executives of Giftland Office Max for making their venue available. He said that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) was not attracting the wide cross section of the population as was believed while other outdoor venues left the promoters at risk due to the inclement weather.
Vice President of the Nexgen Global productions, Aleem Hussain, is the man in charge of efficiently advertising the card and other technicalities. He assured that tickets bought for tonight’s show are still valid for the new date. He also assured patrons that the card would be qualitative while pointing out that there would be added entertainment activities. Mr. Hussain further pointed out that activities will commence at 19:00 sharp.
Otherwise the rest of the card remains unchanged and the main supporting bout will see Quincy Gomes matching gloves with Anson Greene in a 6 rounds welterweight affair, while national amateur bantamweight champion, Imran Khan will make his debut against David Thomas over 4 rounds in the lightweight category. Keeve Allicock will also battle with Stephon Gouveia in a featherweight fight over 4 rounds.
There are also four amateur bouts where Republican, Nankumar Singh will be up against Kellon King in a lightweight match while Harpy Eagles representative, Travis Hubbard tackles Orin Bancroft in another lightweight (youth) encounter. Glenroy Smith (EBG) will match gloves with Republican, Clifton Graham in a welterweight bout, while Tefon Green (GDF) and Dexter Wray (REP) will square off in an Elite Flyweight contest.

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