By Prince Dornu-Leiku: Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Joshua Clottey AKA the grandmaster has exclusively reiterated to his desire to be a world champion again but most importantly, the quest to earn a rematch date against Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.
Clottey lost a one-sided decision to the perceived pound-for-pound king back in March of 2010 on a night the Ghanaian still claims he was not himself due to health reasons. Now, days after winning his first fight since courtesy last Friday’s round 2 stoppage of Calvin Green, the Ghanaian is adamant he wants to make amends against Pacquiao.
“Of course I’m going to do everything to beat him and right now I feel very good, very strong. I learnt a lot from the mistake of that fight and I am ready to do it all over again. I will not rush and tell my promoters I want to fight soon or at this date but I want a chance to fight Pacquaio again,” Clottey told Ghana-based newspaper ALL SPORTS via phone from the US.
He has hinted that he will be coming home to Ghana for the Christmas holidays but Clottey is not giving up on the dream to claim a world title again. Joshua reveals that he is always and ever ready for any big fight because he is always ready, simple.
He told ALL SPORTS:
“My goal is to be a world champion. The first time I came to America, I went into the ring and after the fight I saw myself as a world champion because I know how strong I am.
“And despite several setbacks, I became a champion which it was unfortunate not to last long. Definitely that is my goal to be a world champion again. But I’m patient because I am always strong.”
33 year old Clottey, now 34-5, 21 KOs, added on the source of his strength:
“I do things that make me stronger, I always train so I’m always strong. I don’t do anything that will affect my health or fitness. I’m looking stronger, fitter and better so I’m here to stay for a long time and until I’m champ again.”