Former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey has opened up about the severe physical toll he endured following his victory against Richard Gutierrez.
Advertisement
Despite emerging triumphant, Clottey disclosed that he faced significant health challenges immediately after the fight, including difficulties in breathing and walking.
Eighteen years ago, Clottey stepped into the ring for his first fight in the United States, facing the formidable Colombian boxer Richard Gutierrez. The bout, which ended in a split decision in favor of Clottey, served as his official introduction to the global boxing community.
Reflecting on the intense match, Clottey revealed the lasting impact Gutierrez had on him. “My toughest fight was against Richard Gutierrez,” Clottey shared during an interview on Game TV. “I struggled to cough and breathe properly after the bout. I won the fight by majority decision, and it was my first fight on HBO. He had an unbeaten record of 28 fights, and I had a 27-1 record.”
The aftermath of the fight was particularly challenging for Clottey. “Heading into that fight, I knew beating him would be a tall order because he was very strong,” he continued. “I couldn’t walk after the fight and had to be held by my trainer and girlfriend. It took me two weeks to start feeling my body.”
The victory over Gutierrez was a defining moment in Clottey’s career, making him a serious contender in the world of boxing.
Clottey’s career reached its peak in 2010 when he faced seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, a bout that he lost by unanimous decision. Now 46 years old, Clottey’s professional record stands at 47 fights, with 41 wins—24 of which came by way of knockout—and five losses.
Advertisement
View this post on Instagram
Leave a Reply