Ghana’s former IBF Welterweight Champion, Joshua Clottey has offered a word of advice to boxing managers.
The 42-year-old Clottey, who fought top boxers like Zab Judah, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Diego Corrales and Manny Pacquiao, believes managers should pit their boxers against tough opponents if they would become World Champions.
“If we want to produce more world champions, the boxers need to start competing with international boxers at the early stages of their careers, at least after his 10th local fight.”
“How do you expect your boy to become a world champion if all the 30-40 fighters he has beaten are all from Ghana and some part of Africa alone.”
“Where is the competition?.Take the boxers abroad to compete with boxers from USA/UK/Mexico, etc so they get the exposure and experience in fighting at the big venues, get used to the weather conditions, etc.”
“If you want to be the best, go and defeat the best and the world will recognize you as the best. The competition is out there. Take them there.”
“It is what it is” were his last words.