Guyanese boxing champion Clive “The Punisher” Atwell said he needs life saving brain surgery, and is asking Guyanese in the Diaspora to help him raise $25,000 needed to travel to Trinidad and Tobago for a procedure to put a metal plate in his head to cover his exposed brain.
Atwell, a 27-year-old prize fighter who underwent surgery to ease hemorrhaging and swelling at the Georgetown hospital last year after his WBC FECARBOX super lightweight fight that ended abruptly due to a prolonged injury, said he and his wife Alavi Atwell arrived in the U.S. eight weeks ago after exhaustive efforts to secure financial backing in Guyana.
“I am feeling drained, said the champ in a feeble voice, as he spoke with this reporter by phone, pleading for financial help that would cover his airfare and accommodation to the twin-island state, where he said, Dr. Steve Mahadeo would perform the surgery.
Atwell explained that he was diagnosed with massive intracranial hemorrhage and swelling to the brain that prompted emergency surgery. He further said that the metal plate would cover the cranian nerves that are now exposed.
It is critical that he avoids an accidental fall that could result in him hitting of his head, and endangering his life further, said the world champion boxer, who fought Kyle Mackenzie for the interim PABA super/featherweight title in Australia.
“If I fall or hit my head, this would jeopardize the situation I am in,” said Atwell, who was crowned CABOFE super / lightweight champ after his bout with Jamaican Welterweight contender champ Sakima Mullings, last year during a 12-round battle.
Atwell who is staying with relatives in Brooklyn, returned to his former fitness center, the famous Gleason’s Gym in the Borough where he said he received moral support from boxing promoter Seon Bristol, and others, but needs financial help that he did not received from the government of Guyana, but is hopeful that Guyanese would understand his plight and support him financially.
The “Punisher” is also calling on medical professionals who could give him a notarized referral, taking responsible for him to see a neurosurgeon and be treated at Kings County Hospital, a follow-up from a scan, done at the medical center.
The Guyanese community wishes Champ Atwell all the very best, as he battles for his life. The boxer could be contacted at clive
