Clottey - I'm Fighting For The Title Not Money

Former IBF Welterweight champion Joshua Clottey has described his decision to fight Manny Pacquiao as purely for the title and national pride and not monetary gains as being speculated.

He said his ultimate aim was to wrestle the tittle from the Filipino even though he was aware of the kind of boxer he was stepping into the ring to challenge, adding that fighting a boxer like Pacquiao was not only about strength and power but he would rely on his unique abilities to defeat him.

“Manny Pacquiao is not a superman, he is just a human being like me and I promise to dethrone him,” Clottey assured Ghanaians when he addressed a press conference at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

Clottey, who is ranked fifth in the welterweight division, explained that Pacquiao, who is ranked first in that division, did not agree to fight him because he was a weaker opponent, but rather how easy it was when it came to dealing with financial issues.

The former IBF champion, who was flanked by Azumah Nelson, Atta Eddie Pappoe, Felix Quartey and high-ranking members of the GBA, disclosed that he had never felt stronger support from Ghanaians ever as with his impending fight and that had spurred him on to prove a tough customer for Pacquiao and to raise the flag of Ghana high.

Joshua, who broke down in tears moments after delivering his message apparently frustrated by the US Embassy’s refusal to grant his trainer an American visa, told the media he was not happy about the way things were moving and appealed for the government’s assistance to enable his coach to secure a visa to accompany him to the US.

The Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), Worlanyo Agra, who could not bear with the sorrowful mood of the boxer quickly made some telephone calls and assured the boxer all arrangements would be made to ensure his coach joins him.

He noted that Clottey’s contribution to boxing could not be under estimated since he had inspired many youth across the country even in the face of many challenges.

Mr Agra assured Clottey that the government and the people of Ghana were behind him both in prayers and in spirit as he prepare to challenge Manny Pacquiao at the Arlington Cowboys Stadium in Texas on March 13.

Source: www.modernghana.com