THE JUDGE is champing at the bit to get back in the ring.
Promising pugilist Gordel “The Judge” Roberts says he’s got a new and improved boxing style that he plans to showcase in his upcoming bout at monthend in Guyana.
Roberts’ camp disclosed the details of his new technique in an interview with NATIONSPORT weeks ahead of the August 26 four-round fight against fellow Guyanese junior lightweight Rodwell Atwell.
“This isn’t the old Gordel Roberts you used to see,” affirmed Roberts’ trainer Ali Assad.
“He’s really improved now because he has been working on a new style so people will definitely see an improved fighter.
“He’s got more experience in the ring, too, so you’re going to see a more professional type of boxer.
“Gordel is throwing the right hand a lot better now and getting more power out of that straight right.
“With this new way of fighting his power has definitely increased. And conditioning has never been a problem,” Assad added.
Roberts was actually supposed to debut his enhanced technique last weekend, as the speedy featherweight was drawn on a six-bout card to fight in Trinidad.
However, Roberts was forced to miss the six-round encounter with Prince Lee Isadore when all of his medicals were not made available by the time he was ready to travel south last week Friday.
But the missed opportunity has only given “The Judge” more time to fine-tune his skills ahead of the showdown with Atwell.
“Yes I’m disappointed to miss out on the fight but I can tell you I’m definitely ready now because I’ve been basically living in the boxing gym,” Roberts contended.
“My training has really been going good so far and my new style should serve me well for this fight.”
Gifted with speed, Roberts showed early promise after winning his very first fight via TKO. However, the Carrington Village-based boxer has since found the going tough, dropping to a 1-4 record following a tough loss to Guyanese Cleveland Frazer back in February.
Since then though, Roberts has been intent on turning his fortunes around with the goal of taking his talents abroad for regular appearances in professional bouts.
“We want to get in three more fights by the end of the year, so we’re looking at St Lucia, Trinidad and Guyana and some other places within the region,” said Assad of the camp’s immediate plans.
“So by next year hopefully we’ll be able to fight outside of the region. But we need some time to prepare with this new style first and then we will see if we are ready to take on the world.”
