Joshua Clottey
Born (1977-10-06) October 6, 1977 (age 46)
Accra, Ghana
Other names
  • Grand Master
  • The Hitter
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights47
Wins41
Wins by KO24
Losses5
No contests1

Joshua Clottey (born October 6, 1977) is a Ghanaian former professional boxer who competed from 1995 to 2019, and held the IBF welterweight title from 2008 to 2009. As an amateur, he competed at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.[1] At the peak of his career, he was notable for his exceptionally durable chin, and was never stopped in any of his five losses.

Early life

As a child in his native Ghana, Clottey had a passion for football, a sport that was also played by his father. Clottey moved and spent a few years in the United Kingdom then later to the United States.[2]

Professional career

Welterweight

Clottey rose to prominence by winning his first twenty fights, including 14 by knockout. His performance set him up to fight Carlos Baldomir, in a title defense by Baldomir for the WBC international welterweight title. Clottey was winning until the 10th round, where he was penalized two points for an intentional head butt. After another clash of heads, Clottey was disqualified.

Clottey rebounded from the controversial loss by winning the African Boxing Union welterweight title in his next fight. He then rolled off a 10 fight winning streak highlighted by his first win on American soil and capture of several minor welterweight and middleweight titles. The streak culminated in an IBF intercontinental welterweight title. On December 2, 2006, Clottey earned his first shot at a world title but broke his hand in the fourth round of his fight against World Boxing Organization champion Antonio Margarito. That bout against Margarito has since come under controversial suspicion following news reports (released after Margarito's fight with Shane Mosley) that Margarito had boxed opponents with hand wraps illegally loaded with plaster (along with Margarito's first bout with Miguel Cotto). On April 7, 2007 (following Clottey's questionable loss to Margarito), Clottey earned a unanimous decision over Diego Corrales, in what was Corrales's final fight before his death. In December 2007, Clottey positioned himself for another title shot with a win over prospect Shamone Alvarez.[3] Clottey beat Zab Judah on August 2, 2008, for the IBF welterweight title vacated by Antonio Margarito.

Clottey vs. Cotto

On June 13, 2009, Clottey faced Miguel Cotto in New York City at Madison Square Garden for the WBO welterweight title. Cotto dropped Clottey in the first with a jab. Cotto was cut in the third round by an accidental head butt. Clottey's combinations throughout the fight gave Cotto problems. Cotto emerged the winner with a controversial split decision.[4]

Clottey vs. Pacquiao: The Event

Clottey fought seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao on March 13, 2010, in Arlington, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium following the disagreement on terms of a proposed boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. which would have been scheduled on the same date in Las Vegas, Nevada. Clottey lost to Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Pacquiao threw a total of 1231 punches in the fight, missing 985 and landing 246.[5] Clottey threw a total of 399 punches, 291 missed and 108 hit Manny. On November 19, 2011, after over a year away from the ring, Clottey returned to defeat Calvin Green via TKO in the second round. Since then however, Clottey confirmed that he'd retired from boxing to care for a sick relative.

Comeback

On August 23, 2013, Star Boxing announced Clottey's return to boxing as they have signed the former champion to a contract.[6][7] Clottey returned to the ring on September 14, 2013, when he faced Dashon Johnson.[8] Clottey defeated Johnson via unanimous decision.[9] On April 9, 2014, Clottey went on to beat former middleweight champion Anthony Mundine, dropping Mundine five times.[10][11] Clottey was in line to fight Canelo Alvarez in December 2014,[12] but Canelo had to pull out due to an ankle injury.[13] On December 19, 2015, Clottey faced Gabriel Rosado at a 158-lb catchweight. Despite having success and leading early in the fight, Clottey was outworked over ten rounds. He lost via unanimous decision.[14] Clottey clarified in February 2018 that he has yet to retire in boxing.[15] The most recent fight in which he won was against opponent Azziz Mponda from Tanzania. Clottey won by TKO in round 8.[16]

Fighting style

A tough, orthodox fighter, Clottey has a balanced combination of size, speed, stamina, power, endurance, ring savvy, and a solid chin. In addition, he is an accurate, efficient puncher with effective countering ability. His defensive skills are top notch; he stands upright while holding his arms and gloves high to protect himself, which is similar to Winky Wright's defensive stance.[17] As a result of his defensive prowess and ability to absorb a punch, he has never lost a bout via knockout.

Personal life

Born in Accra, Ghana, Clottey now lives in The Bronx, New York.

Professional boxing record

47 fights 41 wins 5 losses
By knockout 24 0
By decision 17 4
By disqualification 0 1
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
47 Win 41–5 (1) Aziiz Mpomda TKO 9 (10) 22 Sep 2019 Odwira Akropong, Ghana
46 Win 40–5 (1) Mfaume Mfaume TKO 6 (10) 8 Mar 2019 Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, Ghana
45 Loss 39–5 (1) Gabriel Rosado UD 10 19 Dec 2015 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
44 Win 39–4 (1) Jorge Silva UD 10 9 May 2015 Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas, US
43 Win 38–4 (1) Anthony Mundine UD 12 9 Apr 2014 Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia Won WBA International super welterweight title
42 Win 37–4 (1) Dashon Johnson UD 10 14 Sep 2013 The Paramount, Huntington, New York, US
41 Win 36–4 (1) Calvin Green TKO 2 (8), 1:56 19 Nov 2011 Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas, US
40 Loss 35–4 (1) Manny Pacquiao UD 12 13 Mar 2010 Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US For WBO welterweight title
39 Loss 35–3 (1) Miguel Cotto SD 12 13 Jun 2009 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US For WBO welterweight title
38 Win 35–2 (1) Zab Judah TD 9 (12), 1:12 2 Aug 2008 Pearl Concert Theater, Paradise, Nevada, US Won vacant IBF welterweight title;
Unanimous TD: Judah cut from an accidental head clash
37 Win 34–2 (1) José Luis Cruz TKO 5 (10), 2:48 3 Apr 2008 Aviator Sports & Events Center, New York City, New York, US
36 Win 33–2 (1) Shamone Alvarez UD 12 20 Dec 2007 The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, US
35 Win 32–2 (1) Felix Flores UD 10 9 Aug 2007 The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, US
34 Win 31–2 (1) Diego Corrales UD 10 7 Apr 2007 Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque, Springfield, Missouri, US
33 Loss 30–2 (1) Antonio Margarito UD 12 2 Dec 2006 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US For WBO welterweight title
32 Win 30–1 (1) Richard Gutierrez MD 12 29 Jul 2006 Chumash Casino Resort, Santa Ynez, California, US Won IBF Inter-Continental welterweight title
31 Win 29–1 (1) Marcos Primera UD 10 3 Dec 2005 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US Won vacant WBC Continental Americas interim super welterweight title
30 Win 28–1 (1) Marlon Thomas UD 10 21 Oct 2005 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, US
29 NC 27–1 (1) Steve Martinez NC 2 (10) 18 Feb 2005 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Martinez cut from an accidental head clash
28 Win 27–1 Christopher Henry TKO 5 (10), 1:16 24 Jul 2004 Flamingo, Laughlin, Nevada, US
27 Win 26–1 Christian Lloyd Joseph UD 10 6 Jun 2004 Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, New York, US
26 Win 25–1 Jeffrey Hill RTD 6 (8), 3:00 21 Nov 2003 Crowne Plaza Hotel, New York City, New York, US
25 Win 24–1 Ayitey Powers UD 10 6 Dec 2002 Globe Cinema, Accra, Ghana
24 Win 23–1 Siki Benge TKO 2 (10) 30 Nov 2001 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
23 Win 22–1 Didier Mebara TKO 3 (8) 8 Sep 2001 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana
22 Win 21–1 Ike Obi TKO 10 (12) 27 Apr 2001 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana Won vacant African welterweight title
21 Loss 20–1 Carlos Baldomir DQ 12 (12), 2:30 29 Nov 1999 Wembley Arena, London, England For WBC International and vacant IBC welterweight titles;
Clottey disqualified for repeated headbutts
20 Win 20–0 Viktor Baranov TKO 6 (8), 0:44 19 Oct 1999 York Hall, London, England
19 Win 19–0 Ali Mohammed KO 1 (10) 1 May 1999 Accra, Ghana
18 Win 18–0 Dennis Berry RTD 3 (6), 3:00 23 May 1998 York Hall, London, England
17 Win 17–0 Ike Obi PTS 8 11 Nov 1997 Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana
16 Win 16–0 Cam Raeside TKO 2 (8), 1:13 30 Aug 1997 Grundy Park Leisure Centre, Cheshunt, England
15 Win 15–0 Mark Ramsey PTS 8 25 Mar 1997 Lewisham Theatre, London, England
14 Win 14–0 Abbas De Souza TKO 2 (10) 28 Dec 1996 Accra, Ghana
13 Win 13–0 Karl Taylor TKO 2 (8) 7 Oct 1996 Lewisham Theatre, London, England
12 Win 12–0 Dick Dosseh TKO 6 (10) 3 Aug 1996 Accra, Ghana
11 Win 11–0 Marciano Commey PTS 12 22 Dec 1995 Kaneshie Sports Complex, Accra, Ghana Won vacant Ghanaian light welterweight title
10 Win 10–0 Friday Steve Egwatu TKO 2 (10) 17 Nov 1995 Abidjan, Ivory Coast
9 Win 9–0 Ran Coco TKO 3 (8) 25 Oct 1995 Accra, Ghana
8 Win 8–0 Sam Akromah PTS 8 25 Aug 1995 Accra, Ghana
7 Win 7–0 David Duke TKO 1 14 Jul 1995 Togo
6 Win 6–0 Friday Steve Egwatu TKO 5 30 Jun 1995 Accra, Ghana
5 Win 5–0 Nazah Ayetoe TKO 5 3 Jun 1995 Benin
4 Win 4–0 Jomo Jackson TKO 1 27 May 1995 Accra, Ghana
3 Win 3–0 Smart Abbey TKO 4 29 Apr 1995 Accra, Ghana
2 Win 2–0 Joseph Ayinakwa TKO 2 14 Apr 1995 Benin
1 Win 1–0 Samuel Lotsu PTS 6 31 Mar 1995 Accra, Ghana

References

  1. ^ "15.Commonwealth Games". amateur-boxing.strefa.pl. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  2. ^ Joaquin Henson (March 19, 2010). "Clottey chickened out". philSTAR.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  3. ^ Scorecard: Clottey gets past Alvarez, moves closer to title shot – boxing – ESPN. Sports.espn.go.com (2007-12-24). Retrieved on 2012-02-29.
  4. ^ Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey: Round by Round. Bleacher Report (2009-06-14). Retrieved on 2012-02-29.
  5. ^ "Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey - CompuBox Punch Stats". www.boxingscene.com.
  6. ^ "Clottey signs with DeGuardia". BadLeftHook.com. 24 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Joshua Clottey Signs With Star Boxing". ThaBoxingVoice.com. August 23, 2013.
  8. ^ "Joshua Clottey vs. Dashon Johnson on September 14th in Huntington, New York". BoxingNews24.com. August 26, 2013.
  9. ^ "Joshua Clottey defeats Dashon Johnson". BoxingNews24.com. September 16, 2013.
  10. ^ "Why this is The Man's last fight". NewsComAu.com.
  11. ^ "Anthony Mundine punished in defeat to Joshua Clottey". theGuardian.com. April 9, 2014.
  12. ^ "Canelo to face Clottey on HBO in December". BadLeftHook.com. 23 September 2014.
  13. ^ "Canelo suffers ankle injury, pulls out of Clottey fight on December 6th". BoxingNews24.com. October 7, 2014.
  14. ^ "Boxing: Joshua Clottey loses to Gabriel Rosado in New York". citifmonline.com. December 21, 2015.
  15. ^ "I have not retired from boxing - Joshua Clottey". www.ghanaweb.com. 6 February 2018.
  16. ^ BoxingGhana. BoxingGhana.com (2019-08-31). Retrieved on 2019-11-27.
  17. ^ Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight packed star power, fans into Cowboys Stadium – ESPN Dallas. Sports.espn.go.com (2010-03-15). Retrieved on 2012-02-29.

External links

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Kofi Jantuah
Ghanaian light welterweight champion
22 December 1995 – August 1996
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Awel Abdulai
Vacant
Title last held by
Napoleon Alabi
ABU welterweight champion
27 April 2001 – June 2001
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Karim Harzouz
New title WBC Continental Americas
super welterweight champion
Interim title

3 December 2005 – July 2006
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Ulises David Lopez
Vacant
Title next held by
Jan Zaveck
IBF Inter-Continental
welterweight champion

29 July 2006 – September 2006
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Cristian De Martinis
Preceded by WBA International
super welterweight champion

9 April 2014 – May 2015
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Michel Soro
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Antonio Margarito
IBF welterweight champion
August 2, 2008 – April 18, 2009
Stripped
Vacant
Title next held by
Isaac Hlatshwayo