Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday congratulated the new IBF Welterweight Champion, Ghana's Joshua Clottey for winning the world title belt.

"The nation is proud of you", the President said when the champion in the company of the Chairman of the Ghana Boxing Association (GBA), Moses Foh-Amoaning, Clottey's trainer and family members called on him at the Castle, Osu, to present him the title belt.

Clottey scored a unanimous technical point decision over America's Zab Judah after their fight was stopped in the 9th round following a deep cut sustained by Judah.

President Kufuor advised Clottey to be disciplined and to ensure that he trains harder and keep himself in good shape devoid of activities that might disrupt his match to chalking further successes. The President also asked the boxer not to be swayed into been drawn into association with questionable characters and to endeavour to serve as a role model to the country's youth.

He acknowledged the nation's strength and capabilities in boxing and noted that the country has so far produced seven world champions. Mr Foh-Amoaning, Chairman of the GBA appealed to the Government to consider a special fund from the national budget to support the creation of a boxing gymnasium to give a boost to the development of boxing in the country.

He said even though the nation's passion was football, "We in boxing are the king of Ghana's sports."

Clottey expressed his gratefulness to President Kufuor and the nation for the support accorded him and promised to stay on top of his profession to bring more honours to the country. 20 Aug. 08