I vowed never to allow any of my children to take boxing as profession – Joshua Clottey.
I fought Margarito, Judah, Pacquaio, but my toughest test was Richard Gutierrez- Joshua Clottey.
I fought Pacquaio, etc but my toughest test was Richard Gutierrez- Joshua Clottey.
Saturday 11th April, 2020. Former IBF welterweight champion, Joshua Clottey of Ghana, still maintains Richard Gutierrez was his toughest career fight.
“I fought Margarito, Zab Judah, Pacquaio, Cotto but my toughest test was Richard Gutierrez, I remember I urinated blood when the medics came for my urine samples for test.
“After that bout I vowed never to allow any of my children to take boxing as his or her profession. In round 4 of the bout, the guy was hitting me so hard I indicated to my corner to throw in the towel but my coach insisted I fight on.” The self styled ‘Grandmaster’ reiterated.
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While many may disagree, fact still remain that boxers come to that determination based on a myriad of reasons.
For example, Lennox Lewis believes Evander Holyfield is the toughest opponent he ever fought in the ring during his illustrious boxing career.
Floyd Mayweather had difficulties with Jose Luis Castillo I, on April 20, 2002. but still does not mention that as his toughest.
Oscar De La Hoya says, Ghana’s boxing great Ike Quartey made him consider retirement, and yet maintains that his toughest fight was outside the ring.
“I can say that he (Ike Quartey) was the best fighter I ever faced in my career.”
Even Mike Tyson rates Evander Holyfield his BEST OVERALL: “Great champion: chin, heart, determination, work ethic, demeanor.” Tyson said.
George Foreman admitted “I admired Joe Frazier as a man because you never saw two Joe Fraziers – you only saw one,” said Foreman in earnest. “He was the same with everybody. As a professional, Joe Frazier was the toughest fighter of my era.”
Marvin Hagler’s BEST OVERALL Roberto
Duran: “I would say Roberto Duran was very experienced, plus he was a three-time world champion when I fought him. I gave him the opportunity to win a fourth, which didn’t happen (laughs).”
ANTHONY JOSHUA recently named Wladimir Klitschko as the hardest puncher he has ever faced in the ring.
In our subsequent articles, Boxing Ghana is going to collate 20 top boxers in the world, and their determination of who was the best they faced.