Boxing News of Wednesday, 15 July 2009

Source: GNA

Clottey to fight Mosley or Berto in November

Accra, July 15, GNA - Former IBF Welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey may face "Sugar" Shane Mosley or Andre Berto for a shot at a major title in November.

The 32-year old has been without a title since a split decision loss to Miguel Cotto last month for the latter's WBO Welterweight title. Clottey who made this remarks on Wednesday during a courtesy call on the Youth and Sports Minister, Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, said plans are far advanced for his comeback.

"My managers are working hard to get me Mosley or Berto. It is scheduled for November and it will be one of the two." Berto, 25, is the WBC Welterweight champion while 37-year old Mosley is the reigning WBC Super Welterweight champion.

A fight against any of the two boxers will surely land the Orthodox boxer closer to another World title. The hard-hitting Clottey who vacated his IBF title to face Cotto for the WBO title insists he has no regrets over that decision.

"I don't regret the decision to relinquish the IBF title. A champion must always fight the best. It was the best decision I took and I have no regrets. Sometimes it is not just being a champion, but a worthy champion.

"About 23,000 fans watched my fight against Cotto and it really exposed me to the boxing world. No Ghanaian boxer has attracted such crowd. The Ike Quartey-Dela Hoya contest in 1999 was closest, attracting 22,000 fans."

Clottey expressed optimism of becoming a world champion in the not to distant future.

Mr Pelpuo assured Clottey of the Ministry's support and urged him on his quest at becoming a champion again. Clottey beat Zab Judah on August 2, 2008 to claim the IBF Welterweight title. 15 July 09