Former World champion Joshua Clottey is shaping up rigorously ahead of his bout against Gabriel Rosado at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, New York, on December 19.

Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) who arrived in the States on Wednesday, will face Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) in a 10-round at a catch weight of 158lbs.

Clottey, 38, topped Jorge Silva via unanimous decision in May, a victory that followed a six-knockdown pummeling of Anthony Mundane last year but despite the excessive humid condition in the USA he is well conditioned for the bout.

“It is cold here but I am adapting to the weather before Saturday. This training is becoming difficult because I need to make the weight. But when you make the weight your body become free and no stress”, he told Starr Sports.

Clottey’s last high-profile fight was the 2010 loss to Pacquiao.