So much for former WBC featherweight title challenger Clive Atwell’s retirement.
‘The Punisher’ announced he would quit the ring shortly after a controversial defeat to WBC featherweight champion, Jhonny Gonzalez in May citing mismanagement and motivational problems.
But yesterday, the 25-year-old fighting pride of Guyana told Stabroek Sport that he is looking to resume his career.
“I’m getting back on it,” Atwell declared.
“I have world class ability and with the right direction, I will soon be a world champion.”
Atwell, who was ranked No.12 by the WBC, admitted that he rushed into hanging up his gloves and he will be on the comeback trail with the aim of making amends to his family and supporters.
“I think I had enough time to think and re-plan, I made a hurried decision based on what I was enduring. But for me to stay away from the game, that would be a blow to all who worked with me and all who I inspired through my works.”
Quizzed on his current contractual agreement to his management, Dog Pound Inc., who is allegedly owed $5M, Atwell said “I have legal representatives looking into it.
“I am going to stretch out my arms to some associates in the game and get cracking in a methodical order,” he added.
Atwell and Dog Pound Inc. had infamously made headlines for negotiating and accepting the Gonzalez world title fight for a mere US$14,000.
In what was his first professional fight outside of Guyana, Atwell lost via technical decision after Gonzalez (56-8, 47 KOs) suffered a cut at the side of his left eye after a clash of heads in the 10th round.
After the stoppage, the fight went to the scorecards and the judges saw the Mexican winning 99-89,96-92 and 98-90 but Team Atwell and many others present at ringside felt he was robbed and that Gonzalez was the beneficiary of a hometown decision.
So when will ‘The Punisher’ (12-1-1, 7 KOs) return to action?
Not wanting to give a definitive answer, the Dominica-based prize fighter mentioned that he will fight a TBA before December.
A ring return for the former local featherweight, lightweight and CABOFE feather and light welterweight champion will come as great news for fans in Guyana and the diaspora. (Emmerson Campbell)
