The best amateur boxer in Canada for more than five years, Custio Clayton, has signed a long-term agreement with Groupe Yvon Michel Inc. (GYM).
The leader of the Canadian National Team in recent years, Clayton captured six national titles. He represented Canada at many international tournaments including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and 2014 in Glasgow, 2013 World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan and 2011 in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighted by his participation in the 2012 Olympics in London.
Clayton is best remembered for becoming first Canadian boxer to win two Olympic matches since silver-medalist David Defiagbon at 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. After disposing of Oscar Molina, of Mexico, and Cameron Hammond, of Australia, Clayton lost a 14-14 tiebreaker to the eventual silver medalist, Welsh Fred Evans, depriving Clayton of an Olympic medal by the tiniest margin. In 2013, the AIBA ranked him the No. 6 welterweight (152 lbs., 69 kg.).
Bernard Barré, head of recruitment at GYM, has only the highest praise for Clayton. “Since the inception of our organization, he said, “we made a point to sign the greatest Canadian boxers. Clayton is part of this group that, before him, includes Adonis Stevenson, Jean Pascal and Andrew Kooner. Custio Clayton developed into the star of the Canadian National Team during his amateur career at a small gym with limited Nova Scotia resources. In this context his amateur trainer, Gary Johnson, did miraculous works. We are convinced that, in his new framework, Clayton will develop his full potential and achieve great success.”
Clayton, 27, is delighted to join GYM: “Signing with GYM, led by Yvon Michel, is what I’ve always wanted,” Clayton commented. “I am very proud he has given me this opportunity. I had six concrete offers, including two from the US, but I am convinced that my chances of success are best with GYM, one of the best and proven organizations in the world.”
Team Clayton also includes his manager, Douggy Berneche, and Canadian National Team coach Daniel Trépanier. They will provide Clayton with all of the required specialists for his professional career. He recently moved to Montreal and his family will join him there in early 2015.
His first professional fight will take place December 19 at the Quebec City Coliseum. His opponent will be announced shortly. He will fight as super welterweight (154 lbs.) division.
“Custio is already a very mature boxer who will quickly go through the steps and end up in the world elite of his division before long,” Berneche added. “Making his pro debut on a program headlined by world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson defending his crown, also featuring future superstar Artur Beterbiev and Andre Dirrell on the same card being televised by the prestigious boxing network, Showtime, will be inspiring for Custio to start his pro career in style.”
