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Clottey
eyes unification on June 13
Accra, March 10, Ghanadot/GNA
– 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 knockouts 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 |
