Oleksandr Gvozdyk drops Marco Contreras in favor of Teddy Atlas?

Teddy knows his stuff. If Gvozdyk is the real deal like I think he is he'll get to the top no matter who trains him.

 

if it goes past round 6. nothing teddy says can make him lose. hell maybe even round 4. I do see ways Stevenson wins. "Stevenson always uses his left so slip the left and BANG!!!! if you do that then you can celebrate Christmas 3 weeks early."

 

I could see teddy telling him to start fast vs Stevenson, which is the opposite of what he should do. take a round or 2 get his timing then dominate the fight.

 

I actually think that Stevenson can win (by a KO) even in the second part of the fight...

 

Gvozdyk must believe in magic and want to be a fireman.

 

Gvozdyk commented on the situation a couple of days ago:

— How the decision to work with Teddy Atlas was made? Was it at yours or Egis Klimas’ initiative?
— It was my decision, but Egis made it possible.

— Why exactly did you choose this trainer?
— Atlas is an experienced trainer known for his attention to details, and I think this is what I need.

 

Could be a case of personal disagreements, who knows. Could of found a better replacement though or waited after the Stevenson fight. Regardless who trains him though, he should dispatch Stevenson quite easily.

 

Gvozdyk explains his decision in detail. Unfortunately, the interview is in Russian and even without English subtitles, so I decided to translate some quotes from it.

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— Teddy Atlas is going to be your new trainer. A little bit controversial news, but it’s your decision, we accept it. So, how you and Mr. Atlas have found each other?
— I’ve been thinking that some changes are needed. Because, you know, after the last fight… I have a very good team, but this environment has become too comfortable. And it’s known that when you feel comfortable, there is no growth. And my last fights showed it… Especially the last one. So, in my opinion, Teddy is a kind of person who does not allow you… Actually, I had had an opportunity to see him working. How he trains boxers, what he does. And I think this is what I need at this point of my career. He is one of those trainers who control every movement who maybe nitpicks sometimes, but I like it.

— But what exactly are you expecting from Teddy Atlas? What changes? Will he stand with a proverbial stick beside you and control the whole process?
— Well, you know, the professional boxing at my level… I do not expect some radical changes. It’s small details that matter. Maybe an advice to hold my hand higher… Something like that. Well, I think with Teddy’s help I will take less punches. That alone would be very nice for a start. So, we’ll see. But I just can’t allow myself to stagnate, it’s not an option for me.
…
He came to visit me in Oxnard. We spent two days together. We worked in the gym, we talked, we watched fights. I was impressed and I think he would be the right choice for me. He is experienced, he knows what he is doing… He has experience of working with boxers at this (top) level.
…

— Teddy Atlas is known for his outbursts… Michael Moorer did not like it at all… What do you think about Teddy Atlas’ harshness? Are you ready to work with such a person?
— I even like such people! And that was one of the reasons to choose him. He’s not a hypocrite. He is a guy who will tell you the truth to your face. Many don’t like it, I understand. Because of this Teddy had problems with HBO and ESPN where he called a spade a spade. Some commentators are willing to overpraise the “home” fighters, but not Teddy. I don’t want to say that his opinion is always correct, but at least it’s his opinion and he stays by it. He is a nonconformist. But, again, personally I like such people. I prefer bitter truth over sweet lies. So I would rather hear about my problems, maybe in harsh words, rather than empty compliments which would be exposed in a real fight.

— What would you say to those who asks “But who is Teddy Atlas? What has he done??”…
— I couldn’t care less about what those people say! This is my life, my career. And I am experienced enough to see and judge for myself. I do what needs to be done for me. And if somebody doesn’t like it.. Ok, it’s just his opinion. … Find a better trainer for yourself! Train with Freddie Roach or whoever you like! …You know, if I box well (against Stevenson) people will say “Oh, Teddy is such a great trainer!”. If I do not impress, they will **** on Atlas! So, let’s wait till after the fight and see. Now it’s just almost pointless to argue.

…
— During those days with Teddy Atlas did he analyze you past fights?
— Yes, and I liked it. … First of all, even before our meeting, we had sent him all my fights. And when we met, we spent five hours analyzing them. We set the videos on pause, we talked, he explained to me my mistakes. I was impressed. Because some trainers promise “Oh, I will make a champion from you!” but then, when comes the time to deliver… Well, let’s not speak about that. But Teddy is responsible in this aspect. He did not give me the answer at once, he said “I need time to think about it”.
So, in my opinion Teddy is able to help me a lot.

 

I don't know how he does it.

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"I'm gonna' put some water in that basement! Ohhhh!"

 

This is legitimately one of the most terrifying images ever painted

 

Jack tried that, and look what happened.
You can´t give Stevenson any ground. Be cautious but make him work. Stevenson is 40, one has to take advantage of that.

 

The only the way to beat a pimp is to out playa hate him.

And Atlas' raging narcissism and sense of entitlement may rub off enough on the Nail for him to put the proverbial gators on and he bit.ch man slap Stevenson out of the ring.