Latest update February 2nd, 2025 8:30 AM
Oct 24, 2015 Sports
By Michael Benjamin
The fight should have been staged since September month end and even then, it was to have been Dexter Gonsalves squaring off with Guyana’s bantamweight champion Iwan Azore, for the latter pugilist’s bantamweight
belt. They say every disappointment is for a good and when Azore was injured and forced out of the fight to accommodate Clive Atwell as the replacement, that old Guyanese could not have been better endorsed.
Now tonight, boxing buffs are expected in their thousands to witness what could possibly turn out to be the best local fight in years when Atwell and Gonzalves step into the ring tonight. This will be the main bout of a 4 bouts card that will see Quincy Gomes taking on Anson Green in a 6 rounds super/lightweight affair. Then there is that highly anticipated 4 rounds lightweight encounter between debutant Imran Khan and David Thomas followed by a featherweight shindig between Terrence Adams and Keeve Allicock.
They say that figures and statistics could be misleading but in the fistic sport it is those very figures and statistics that are used to predict outcomes. Atwell’s ability is well known and he enters the ring with a decent 13-2-1 record. The drawn decision was way back in 2010 and was Atwell’s second fight. Since then he has racked up a decent record up until his world title bid against Mexican, Johnny Gonsalves in may last year when he surrendered by technical knockout. He did not fare better in his next fight against Kye Mackenzie in Australia and naturally, the pundits started speculating of his resilience.
Atwell proved that he is made up of much sterner stuff when he matched wits and strength with Jamaican Contender Champion, Sakima Mullings, turning in a classy performance to break the Jamaican’s winning streak over several of his Guyanese counterparts. That fight was in February this year and though Atwell’s filled in for Azore, this cannot be regarded as an advantage for Gonzalez.
Atwell has disposed of 7 of his 13 opponents yet he has not been categorized as a knockout artist. However, his clinical approach has proven to be devastating and many of his opponents, though averting a knockout, have left the ring, maybe wishing they had quitted on the stool instead of withstanding such brutality only for only a loss.
Many will remember Atwell’s clinical applications in, October 2012 that dumped Trinidadian, Prince Lee Issidore, to the canvass where he involuntarily spilled his guts after enduring 12 rounds of brutality at Atwell’s fists. Revlon Lake also tasted some of that power in December 2012 and he succumbed in the 5th round to hand Atwell the local featherweight crown, one of Atwell’s many prestigious accolade.
A natural crowd pleaser, Atwell enters the ring tonight brimming with confidence, quite cognizant that he must win to stay in contention to remain as the darling of boxing pundits but more importantly, for a return to the international stage,.
The man that stands between him and those aspirations is Dexter Gonsalves, an unassuming boxer who, at a first glance, is as inconsequential as they come. His record is less glossy and after compiling 10 fights he has racked up a 7-1-2 record with 4 knockouts. This is by no means a flattering record but this is a classical instance where figures and statistics could be misleading. Gonsalves has a wiry figure but he packs a mean punch. In his fledgling career he has boxed 44 rounds and disposed of 4 of his opponents before the final bell. An orthodox fighter, Gonsalves stands 5’ 7″ (170cm) and may just feel that his height advantage could stand him in good stead. He is not as experienced as Atwell but he has demonstrated a keen work ethic in the gym. He always comes to his battles in great condition, the same as his opponent, and the betting boys will be a little hesitant to cast early wagers since, despite the disparity in experience, Gonsalves could be as dangerous as they come and must not be taken for granted. Which way will the fight go? Well, that’s anybody’s guess but one thing is certain, boxing buffs will get their money’s worth irrespective of who wins, so for those contemplating attendance, it will be a win-win scenario.
The Green/Gomes bout has promised much and during his final training session last Thursday afternoon, Green had dispatched a missive to Gomes that he will have a torrid time in their bout. Indeed, Green’s applications during training sessions were more determined than his previous bouts but he will have to be at the top of his game to overcome Gomes who has demonstrated that he could give as well as take a punch.
Imran Khan is now in the big league and will finally get an opportunity to back his chat. He had been very vociferous at the signing ceremony and had aggressively confronted his man while spewing vitriol. Fans will be looking for similar aggression when the bell sounds tonight.
The amateur segment gets underway before the professionals and should be the appropriate palte pleaser. Exciting Republican fighter, Nankumar Singh, will match gloves with Kellon King in a highly anticipated lightweight slugfest while Harpy Eagles representative, Travis Hubbard tackles Orin Bancroft in another lightweight (youth) encounter. Glenroy Smith (EBG) will then 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.
Fans will also be entertained with lots of side attractions including beautiful models that will be on show. There will be music and plenty of frolic for every spectator but none the boxers who will now have to put up or do the decent thing and shut up. Bell time is 20:00hrs and those wishing to view the bouts in the VIP section will be required to pay $5000 while other patrons will pay $2000 for general seating.
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