GL: We're just a few days away from your fight with Jose Luis Cruz, how are you feeling and what can we expect to see from you on Thursday night? "I'm feeling good and everything is getting better and better. As usual, you know I'm training hard for any fighter they put in front of me, I'm the top contender and I have to protect my number one position."

GL: What do you know about Cruz as a fighter?

Joshua Clottey: "I know he's a tough guy that's the only thing I know about him. But I am a tough guy too and I'm going there to do my job."

GL: How important is it for you to look impressive on Thursday to keep the heat on these guys to have to fight you?

JC: "Very important, I have to look very good and that's exactly what I'm going to do over there. I'm going to perform and come out of the fight without any injury and everything else will happen the way it should."

GL: Are you the best welterweight in the world that nobody wants to fight?

JC: "Definitely. It's true. They all know I'm a dangerous guy and that's why they don't want to fight me. I respect Nate Campbell. He's doing good because he wants to fight with Casmayor and he's not thinking about anything else but that. When you become a champion you have to fight the best, I respect Nate Campbell for wanting to fight with Casamayor. That's the way it's supposed to be. When you win, fight the best, don't look for the weakest contenders."

GL: Do you think this fight will go the distance?

JC: "When we get in there after the first round I'll know. I'm going there to protect myself and come out good. All I care about for this fight is to go in there and come out good. I got a title fight in front of me and I know I will be champion soon and then they won't be able to run away from me. I am a very determined guy and I will be champion. They're going to have to fight me soon enough."

GL: Closing thoughts?

JC: "As usual, I thank you and Boxingtalk and all my fans for talking to me."

M

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