Clottey Outlines Vision

Joshua Clottey Following his sterling performance in a fight against Zab Judah of the US, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Welterweight Champion, Joshua Clottey of Ghana has indicated his resolve to become one of the best in his division.

According to Clottey, the recognition given to him by no less personalities than ex-President J.A. Kufuor and the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as well as Ghanaians in general, has fueled his ambition to achieve greater honours for the country.

He said when he touched down at the Kotoka International Airport after clinching the world title, he was overwhelmed by the number fans that had turned out in their numbers to welcome him back home, adding that he indeed shed some tears in that regard.

The 30-year-old pugilist made these remarks yesterday on GTV's morning programme, SportLite, hosted by Fiifi Banson, a renowned media practitioner.

Having sacrificed his education for boxing, Clottey who rose to prominence by winning his first 20 fights including 14 knockouts, disclosed that he had encountered so many seemingly insurmountable obstacles on his way to becoming a world champion.

He recalled the many times he was cheated by some unscrupulous boxing managers and promoters.

“Sometimes we go to Las Vegas (USA) to fight in a packed auditorium, and in the end I go home with just $2000.”  

His determination to help young and upcoming boxers therefore was largely informed by the difficulties he had gone through in the early days of his career, he added.

Clottey, who has an impressive record of 35 wins, and 2 losses with one no contest from 38 fights, reiterated his preparedness to fight former WBO Champion Antonio Magarito.

On December 2, 2006, the two pugilists clashed and the Ghanaian ended up losing to Magarito via a unanimous decision, after sustaining an injury to the knuckle in the fourth round.

Clottey therefore stressed that a rematch with the Mexican would offer him an opportunity to prove his mettle.

By Mohammed Muniru Kassim