Former IBF Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey has stated categorically that he will strip WBO Welterweight champion, Mammy Pacquiao, of his title come March 13 in the USA.
In his audacious words at a press conference at the Media Centre of the Ohene Djan Stadium, he revealed that; �Pacquiao is human just like I am, and not a superman as many regard him.
�I see the fight as a big platform which outcome will not only open more doors for me, but will place the name of Ghana on a higher pedestal,� added Clottey.
To Clottey, he is approaching the fight for the first time with the nation at heart, and not the purse, saying �I�m not going into this fight because of the purse, but I have my eyes firmly glued to the title and will definitely destroy him to shock the world.�
Supporting his claim, he gave the assurance that he has not lost to any southpaw in his career, and Pacquiao will not be the first to pose a threat to him noting, �I have antidotes to southpaws, no southpaw has defeated me in my career.�
The technical director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Professor Azumah Nelson noted that Clottey has allayed his fear about the Philippine boxer, when he said he gave the assurance that he can handle southpaws. And with that assurance, the boxing Professor now worries for the WBO champion, taking into account Clottey�s courage and strength. He advised Clottey to step up his training as he strives to return home with the WBO title.
He assured Clottey of his support in the March 13 bout pointing out that �I wish him well and will be there in persons to support him.� Mr Worlanyo Agra, the Chief Executive of the National Sport Council (NSC) assured the boxer of the nation�s unflinching support in the forthcoming bout.
�And Clottey Wept
The US Embassy in Accra�s decision to deny Joshua Clottey, former IBF Welterweight champion�s trainer, Nii Kotey Dzanie, has really saddened them. In a well- attended press conference in Accra yesterday, the emotionally-stricken Clottey broke down in tears, mid-way during the program, following his trainer�s travelling documentation hitches.
The boxer revealed that a trainer plays a key role in the outcome of boxing bouts; an assertion WBC official, Atta Eddi Pappoe attested to.
Refreshingly, Mr Worlanyo K. Agra, upon hearing the boxer�s plight promised to use his good offices to intervene. After some few contacts outside the press conference, Mr Agra walked in to give the assurance that his contacts via telephone proved profitable and that the signs are clear on the wall that Nii Kotey will fly out with the boxer for the big bout in March.
At the time of going to press, the GBA Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Amin Lamptey, orchestrator of the press conference, confirmed that the US Embassy had promised to issue the visa to the trainer.
Source: The Chronicle /Ghana
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