Retired Ghanaian Joshua Clottey announced his arrival on the world boxing scene with a victory over Richard Gutierrez on June 29, 2006.
Clottey defeated the Colombian at the Chumash Casino Resort in California, USA, winning unanimously to become the IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title holder.
During the epic bout, Clottey survived a knockout in round four and responded with a strong left jab that almost knocked out Gutierrez in round five.
Both boxers stood tall and traded hard punches throughout 12 rounds. Clottey ended with 114 points, while Gutierrez scored 112 points.
The former world champion has labelled the match that almost crippled him as the toughest match ever in his career.
“I remember my fight with Richard Gutierrez where I won a majority decision. It was the toughest fight of my career because I really struggled after the bout.
“My promoter and trainer then helped me to my hotel room because I couldn’t walk after the bout. He was very strong,” he told Graphic Sports.
Clottey’s record stands at 47 fights – with five losses and 41 wins, 24 of which came by way of knockout.
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Watch highlights of Joshua Clottey and Richard Gutierrez's Richard Gutierrez below
