Clottey Clinics Corrales, Scores Two Knockdowns -
Great Performance By Clottey, Great Effort By Chico

By Bret "The Threat" Newton
 

Joshua Clottey (now 31-2-1, 20 KO's) did what most expected, but not what most expected as well. Most expected Clottey to win, but most predicted a knockout win. Would Corrales' chin hold up at two weight classes higher after being down 11 times previously in lightweight divisions? That question was answered partially.

Both men fought a middleweight fight as Corrales had weighed in at 160lbs tonight, and Clottey at a whopping 170lbs. Clottey had gained 21 pounds from the weigh-in. In the first round, it looked like the beginning of the end for Corrales as Clottey's first left hook staggered Corrales. In round 2, Clottey was just too much for Corrales. Clottey throwing combos from every angle, snapping Corrales' head back often. Corrales fighting back, but his punches being blocked by Clottey's superb defense or having no affect. In round 3 the two went to war, with Corrales trying his best, but Clottey not breaking. Corrales' head getting hit all over the place. In round 4 Corrales forced Clottey to the ropes and managed to get some good inside work done, but Clottey came out with a big finish to steal the round.

In round 5, Corrales again started first, but Clottey's finishes were just too much and too big to give Corrales any rounds. In round 6 the two traded and Corrales got in some good shots, but Clottey wouldn't budge and again would get a big finish with Corrales staggering to the ropes. In round 7, the two appeared tired and didn't offer much. Corrales being consistently in Clottey's face since the opening round. In round 8, the two trade again. Clottey offered a big finish as Corrales staggered into the corner as the bell rang. In round 9 Clottey landed a huge right that hurt Corrales bad. Corrales wobbled, but Clottey pushed him down to the canvas. Clottey would get the knockdown moments later as an assault of punches dropped Corrales and out came his mouthpiece. Corrales made it out of the round and went to his corner with a cut above his right eye that was pouring blood profusely.

Corrales courageously came out to meet Clottey in the center of the ring for the 10th and final round. Corrales trying his best and always giving his best, but it wasn't enough as another short right hand put Corrales down for the second time. Out came the mouthpiece again which prompted the referee to take a point. Corrales would not score that dramatic comeback some may have expected as round 10 was reminiscent of the first Castillo fight. Clottey went on to win a unanimous decision on scores of 97-90, 98-89 and 100-87. Corrales falls to 40-5 with 33 KO's.

A lot can be said about Corrales, whether he's a finished fighter or if Clottey and the two weight classes up was just too big of a step, but one thing's for sure, Corrales fought his heart out and went the distance against one of the best welterweights in the world today, and got up from each knockdown like he always does.


Questions or Comments? Email Bret "The Threat" Newton