Affliction's Atencio Has Back-up Plan for Yvel

In a media teleconference for Affliction's "Day of Reckoning" on Wednesday, Affliction Entertainment VP Tom Atencio said he, as well as Josh Barnett, are ready for anything when it comes to Gilbert Yvel's trials with the California State Athletic Commission.

On Tuesday, Yvel was cleared to apply for a California license to fight, though his paperwork needs to be approved before he gets in the ring.

Atencio said he expected Yvel to clear the commission, but had fighters on standby.

"He's been approved to move forward in the licensing process, and that's pretty much where we're at," said the spectacled fight promoter. "Yeah, I have people in line if this doesn’t work out, but as far as Josh is concerned, it’s approved. Once again, like anything else, you never know what’s going to happen, there’s a process to go through. Hopefully, he makes it through all his medicals and if he does, then the fight’s on. I know that Josh is preparing for him, but Josh will fight anybody out there, so it’s not so much a concern for me."

Atencio declined to name any fighters waiting in the wings, but expressed confidence that Barnett would face any of them.

"When we approach that bridge, we'll cross it," said Atencio.

Labels: Affliction, gilbert yvel, josh barnett

posted by MMAInsiderBLOG @ 4:27 PM 

1 Comments:

 Anonymous said...

I don't see the allure of this fight ... Barnett is gonna grab this guy, toss him on his head and sub him. I would be surprised if it goes to the second round. Being a long time fan of Pride, Yvel never displayed even a glimpse of ground game. Let's hope Yvel doesn't go Tyson on us and take a bite of the baby faced assassin!

January 8, 2009 2:07 PM  

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