Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell (12-1-1, 7 KOs) has extinguished some flames of a mega fight involving himself and Jamaica’s Sakima Mullings (17(12)-1-0) next month.
Reason?
According to prize fighter, he was told that the Jamaican promoters are having difficulties with acquiring enough sponsorship because of the magnitude of the fight card.
“We obviously can’t foresee what’s going to happen in the future, but right now I wouldn’t bet on that fight taking place in Jamaica in October” Atwell told Stabroek Sport yesterday.
Atwell further stated that “I’ve gotten word that some sponsors have pulled out which is of a result in the delay of the contract that’s why I’m not that optimistic of that fight coming off next month.”
‘The Punisher’ who is negotiating to fight Mullings, 32, for the CABOFE light welterweight strap added that “under one umbrella I’m being told its going to happen but not anytime soon but under the other umbrella they are saying just give it a few more days.
Time is money and money is being spent every day to prepare and I can’t afford to wait anymore on something that is uncertain.”
Atwell, 25, has not totally given up the possibility of matching gloves with the 2014 Wray and Nephew Contender Series champion.
“As of right now if the fight don’t happen next month it can happen let’s say at the end of November or Boxing Day.
We know the GBBC will have cards before the year is out, I can fight there or it could be overseas, but time and proper negotiations will tell.”
Looking forward
Despite the hurdle, Atwell is not resting on his laurels.
“I’m doing what a champion does, I’m keeping my body in shape and working on staying sharp and staying fit so whenever something is concrete I won’t have a far way to go in terms of preparation.
The fighting pride of Guyana who has not fought since May 26, revealed that he has been speaking to several overseas promoters about potential ring dates in the same breath stating that he could be in the ring again in November once the Mullings fight in October falls through.