Clottey Outclasses Corrales

Joshua Clottey completely dominated Diego Corrales last Saturday night in Springfield, Missouri, knocking down the former world champion twice in their 10-round welterweight bout.

Clottey (31-2) sent Corrales, making his debut at 147 pounds after moving up two weight classes, to the canvas with a left hand to the head late in the ninth round.

Corrales (40-5) got back to his feet, but moments later another left by Clottey sent him reeling in the corner.

Corrales survived the ninth but took a bloody right eye into the 10th and final round. Midway through the 10th, Corrales dodged a Clottey left but stepped into his right and went down again, losing his mouthpiece.

The former WBC and WBO lightweight and WBO junior lightweight champion again got back to his feet, but by that time, it was all but over.

Clottey, the No. 4 welterweight contender according to the WBO, won by a unanimous decision — 97-90, 98-89 and 100-87 on the judges' scorecards.

"He was a tough guy, this was a tough fight," Clottey said.

"But I knew from the beginning that it was just a matter of time. I knew I would have to break him down."

Corrales said after the fight that he thought Clottey broke his jaw in the fifth round.

"My corner asked me if I wanted to continue, and of course I did," Corrales said.

"I have a lot of respect for Clottey. He caught me with two great shots."

The fight was the last of nine on the night in front of a near-capacity crowd at the 2,300-seat Shrine Mosque.

Credit — AP