Clottey Floors Olympic Gold Medallist Abdulaev

Uncasville, Connecticut - Tuesday's co-featured bout at Mohegan Sun silenced its audience, as fringe contender Emmanuel Clottey scored a bizarre knockout win over Olympic gold medallist Mohamad Abdulaev at 2:19 of the tenth round.

Abdulaev took the bout on four days' notice after prospect Riccardo Williams dropped his commitment. The 29-year-old junior welterweight was set for more practice after blowing out Philip Holiday in January, but Clottey's grit and Abdulaev's limited knowledge of English teamed up to strangle his future championship hopes.

It was clear from the opening rounds that Abdulaev, 145, Las Vegas, Nevada via Uzbekistan, would have a difficult night. Although starting with his usual energy and quick hands, Abdulaev was unable to faze Clottey, who was crystal-cool throughout the action. Clottey, 146 ?, Doraville, Georgia via Ghana, ate the Olympian's vicious shots round after round, but was more than willing to exchange and landed several blows of his own. His success with a left jab-right hook combination actually increased as matters wore on, signaling trouble for Abdulaev, who had gone past the fifth round only once in 11 career outings.

The judges had Abdulaev well ahead after nine of ten rounds, although his face was decorated with bruises. Perhaps looking for a big finish on national television, Abdulaev, 11-1 (9), turned up his attack on Clottey, 20-5 (14), and placed him on soft legs with a right hook to the face. But with under a minute remaining in the bout, Clottey again found room for his left hand, this time a staggering uppercut to Abdulaev's chin. A second left and two rights followed, knocking Abdulaev to the ropes and causing blood to seep from around his left eye. The Olympian was urged to take a knee by trainer Kenny Adams, but he did not rise from the canvas before referee Mike Ortega finished his count. Abdulaev, who speaks little English, may not have understood his corner's instructions, but may also have been mentally unable to continue.

The loss, needless to say, is a major setback for Abdulaev, competing in one of boxing's most talent-laden divisions. His short preparation time for Clottey provides a reasonable excuse, but it is safe to assume that Kostya Tszyu, Zab Judah, and Ricky Hatton are now on the back burner. For the record, Clottey's most important fight occurred in May 1998, when he lost a 12-round split decision to top-ten ranked Colin Dunne.