Clottey promises Ghanaians world title

Accra, Sept. 17, GNA -- Ghana's World Boxing Council (WBC) intercontinental welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey has promised to deliver the World Boxing Organisation title to Ghanaians on December 2. The Ghanaian who is also ranked as the number one contender by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) fights the WBO champion, Mexican, Antonio Magarito in New Jersey, USA on that day.

In an exclusive interview with GNA Sports on Saturday night, Clottey, 29-1-0 said it was his time to give Ghana a world title and nothing would prevent him from doing so when he challenges the champion. He said he was a better pound for pound boxer than the champion but admitted that Magarito's record of 33-4-0 was very durable, making the Ghanaian decline to announce when the fight would end.


"I know I will win the fight and deliver the title to Ghana but I cannot say whether it will travel the distance or not because the champion is a very durable boxer."


The Ghanaian contender said because of the great importance he attached to the fight, he would not holiday while in Ghana but would hit the beach and the road daily to retain his fitness before returning to the States on September 26 to prepare for the fight.

He paid glowing tribute to Bob Arum, his new promoter, adding that it was through his instrumentality that the contract for the fight was signed, three months ahead of the fight date.


Clottey said he would go into the ring with his own judge 96 a perfect physical and tactical preparedness - because he was disappointed with the kind of verdict compatriot, Ike Quartey got in his last fight against Verno Forrest, when he was declared the loser after dominating the fight from start to finish.


He said his manager had drawn up a training regimen for his return to the States and issues such as nutrition and conditioning would be tackled before ring-craft, which would consist mostly of sparring sessions with crack boxers at the John Boxing Gym. He called on his fans and all Ghanaians to support him with their prayers to enable him to arrive in Accra on December 3 with the belt.