Clottey Gets Another Shot At World Title

Joshua Clottey and Manny Pacman Pacquiao

Ghana's Joshua Clottey will get what is probably his last shot at a world title fight this year, despite losing to World Boxing Organisation (WBO) champion Manny Pacman Pacquiao through a unanimous decision last Saturday.

The tough Clottey, who is yet to be knocked down in his career, is expected to be given a chance by World Boxing Council (WBC) champion, the crack Andre Berto of the Haiti.

According to Mohammed Amin Lamptey, public relations officer of the Ghana Boxing Authority, the opportunity could be the last chance for the Bukom boxer who disappointed many Ghanaians after his defense-minded approach to the fight against Pacquiao.

All of Clottey's four career losses were against top fighters namely Carlos Manuel Baldomir, Antonio Magarito, Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao.

Most boxing pundits expressed shock about the way the Ghanaian fought last Saturday as he was always on the defensive even when he had the chance to attack.

Clottey lost via a unanimous decision, as the three judges scored the bout 120-108, 118-109 and 119-109, all in favour of the world champion.

Apart from Round 7 which Clottey appeared to have won, the more aggressive Pacquiao overwhelmingly dominated all the other rounds.

In a post-match interview, Pacquiao disclosed that after the first round, he revised his notes because Clottey was strong. “He is very tough.

“He (Clottey) took so many punches; and yet did not wince. He is the greatest welterweight I have ever fought,” the champion stressed.

Berto, whose parents are both Haitian-born, cancelled his unification fight against Mosley scheduled for Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on January 30 due to the earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of Haitians.

By Charles Nixon Yeboah