Interview: Emmanuel “Sleek” Clottey

Hot welterweight prospect, Joshua Clottey, a younger brother to Emmanuel will feature on an 8 round welterweight bout against opponent to be announced. This is also Emmanuel Clottey’s first fight since his impressive KO victory over Mohamad Abdulaev in June. Here’s what Clottey had to say about his upcoming battle with Jesus Santiago........

How is your training coming along for your next fight against Jesus Santiago?

Everything is going good. We’re trying to stay calm and wait for Nov.21. I want Boxing fans to come see an exciting fight. My brother (Joshua) will be fighting on the same card with me.

What do you know about your next opponent?

I don’t know anything about him, all I know is that I’m in great shape ready to fight anyone. We’re looking to fight Arturo Gatti sometime next year if all works out ok.

Tell us about your last fight Mohamad Abdulaev at Mohegan Sun Casino?

It was a good experience for me. It was a very good fight and biggest upset of the year. The Abdulaev camp took us lightly, they didn’t think I could cause them damage. Abdulaev is a very good fighter and I gave him respect but he never respected us until after the fight. We followed our game plan proper which was to fight backwards as he likes to come forward so I worn him out and knocked him out, this was our plan from start. It’s not who was winning it’s who won.

Lets talk a little about your amateur career. What titles did you win as amateur?

I won Gold medal for Ghana at the OAU tournament held in Sierra Leone, West Africa 1993, so in 1994, my brother and I represented Ghana for Commonwealth Games in Canada. I was very sick before the fight so I did the best lost to the guy who won Gold Medal at that event. We had all sort of problems from the Mangement Team from Ghana. Everyone was shock that I finished the game and lost on points. They thought I was going to be knockout since I was sick. I was throwing up on the Plane to that game.

What do you remember about your first professional fight?

I fought Tony Danso in Ghana and we went full 6 rounds and I beat him by decision. I defeated Douglas Odame for National title at 130 pounds, I knock him out in 10. I won my second National title at lightweight. It was the first time I was robbed.

Describle your fight with Ebo Elder?

My Manager then signed a contract without me knowing I was in Australia helping Kostya Tsyzu for his fight, next thing you know I was asked to return by my manager. I was supposed to be there for 9 weeks but I returned to USA seven weeks later. Kosyta was getting a real workout from me but I don’t know why they sent me back to USA. I never really trained for the Elder fight, he’s a good fighter but I don’t think he’s strong enough to beat me if I prepare for him. I had contract with Duva’s and all they were using me for was to spar with Vivian Harris and Zab Judah. I want people to see that I can fight not being a sparring partner.

Tell our readers about your showdown with Colin Dunne?

I was robbed that fight this is why I asked Ricky Hatton to meet me in USA or any other Country in Europe then I’ll fight him. I was so mad how they robbed me in London when I fought Colin Dunne and I always wanted a rematch. This fight was for the WBU title and we went full 12 rounds.

What about your fight with Jeff Reston?

I want to rematch him also. I don’t like to give excuses but being an African they always try to take advantage of me. Reston fight was robbed also. I want to rematch him to prove to the world that I’m a better fighter than him. Jeff, lets make it happen! I want to get a fight with Miguel Cotto and Arturo Gatti by next year.

What’s your impression of Gatti?

He’s a great Boxer, I respect him but I’ll respect him more if he’ll give me a chance to fight him. I have been calling him out for long now so lets make this fight happen next year.

What do you want to tell Boxing fans about your upcoming fight?

I want all my fans to come out and support me. This will be exciting fight and I’ll become a champion again. Thanks for all the support from my fans. I love you all.