Clottey eyes unification on June 13

Joshua “The Heater” Clottey - International Boxing Federation (IBF) Welterweight Champion is aiming at being the first Ghanaian to unify two world titles as he takes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion, Maguel 'Angel' Cotto of Puerto Rico on June 13 at the Madison Square Gardens, United States of America (USA).

Disclosing this to the GNA Sports in Accra, Clottey said his biggest ambition in boxing was to hold more than two world titles at the same time and the June 13 fight presents him with a perfect opportunity to realize that goal.

He said even though the 5ft.7inch Cotto could present him with a formidable opposition, he has what it takes to overcome the WBO champion in a bid to realize his long cherished dream of holding more than two world titles.

“I want to be the first Ghanaian to unify two titles at the same time and I will go all out to achieve this for myself, my family and the entire nation”.

Clottey said he has stepped up his training regimen in preparations for the fight and expressed the hope that he will be in a tip top shape before the fight.

“This is an opportunity I can't miss, because none of the boxers in my rank want to fight me. So I have to take up the challenge to keep me in shape and also see my dreams materialize.” Clottey stated.

When asked to predict the outcome of the fight, Clottey declined, but stated that, he will give Ghana another world title by the close of June.

Clottey said even though he is also eyeing the title of Shane Mosley – World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight champion, his prime concern at the moment was to annex the WBO title, which he said, will pave the way for him to get more opponents.

He told GNA Sports that organizers of the fight have concluded every detailed agreement on the fight, adding that contracts covering the match will be signed on Wednesday, March 11.

Clottey said he would leave Ghana at the end of March for the United States to intensify his preparations for the match and urged all Ghanaians to remain steadfast in offering their prayers for his success.

He noted that as part of his preparations, he would engage in six weeks of conditional training whilst in US to round up for the important assignment ahead of him.

Clottey, 31, it would be recalled knocked out Zab Judah to win the IBF Welterweight title last year.

The 28 year old, Cotto nicknamed “Junito” on the other hand annexed the title by defeating Antonio Magarito early this year to win the WBO title.

The Ghanaian goes into the fight with 38 fights, 35 wins with 20 knock outs with one ending as a no contest.

Cotto has to his credit 34 fights, 33 wins with 27 knock outs and a single defeat.

GNA