International Boxing Federation light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods, Sheffield, England, has backed fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe, Newbridge, Wales, to defeat big-punching American Jeff Lacy at the MEN Arena this Saturday.

Calzaghe and Lacy attempt to unify the WBO, IBO and IBF super-middleweight belts in the early hours of Sunday morning, local time.

Fight Academy promoted Woods and Calzaghe were scheduled to meet in October of 2004 but Calzaghe decided to withdraw. There have been some acerbic words exchanged between the two camps since but Woods has sent a message of support to Calzaghe ahead of the biggest challenge of his career.

“Me and Joe Calzaghe have had our differences,” Woods began. “But he’s a British fighter and when British fighters are boxing for world titles – especially against a Yank – you have to put all differences aside and support your own. It would be a different story if we actually fought, but I’ve always respected Joe Calzaghe and I wish him the best of British luck this weekend.”

And Woods believes Calzaghe will defeat the heavily-hyped American.

He said: “Lacy will be dangerous early on and there could be a few wobbly moments for Joe in the first five rounds. Lacy is obviously a big puncher and he attacks from the first bell. But I think Joe’s very solid, he can take a good punch and I think he’s proven that he has very good stamina. Plus, as I found in my own career, there’s no substitute for experience and Joe is vastly more experienced that Jeff Lacy.

“I think Joe will begin to take over with his speed as Lacy gets tired. Joe will start chipping away in the middle rounds and I tip Joe to stop Lacy about the tenth round with a flurry of punches. I can see a knackered Lacy trapped on the ropes, taking shots, and the referee stopping it.”

Calzaghe has already gone on record to state that, win, lose or draw this weekend, his will be moving up to light heavyweight after this weekend’s clash with Lacy.

Woods said that an all-British clash is inevitable.

“I’ve got a full calendar at the moment. First I have a voluntary defense probably in May and then I’ve got a third fight with Glen Johnson I can’t look beyond but, hopefully, I could face Joe Calzaghe at Christmas or early next year.

“It is a fight that everyone in Britain will love to see and if both Joe and I keep on winning then it will have to happen.”

Click to read more boxing articles by Boxing Press

Discuss in Boxing Forum | Send to a friend.

---

Related Boxing Articles...

• Boxing Info: Hobson to offer Joe Calzaghe £1,500,000 to face Clinton Woods

  Dennis Hobson is to offer Joe Calzaghe £1,500,000 to move up to light heavyweight and face world champion Clinton Woods in an all British showdown. Providing both men come through >
  
  

• Boxing Interview With Clinton Woods

  By Rhun Leeding courtesy www.frankmaloney.com Make A Serious Boxing Offer, Frank After a protracted discussion in the media between Clinton Woods and Joe Calzaghe and their respective entourages, Woods believes a >
  
  

• Glen Johnson challenges Clinton Woods to a bet of $50,000

  Johnson challenges Woods to a bet of $50,000 on this weekends IBF Title fight, Woods refuses. As things heat up for the IBF Light Heavyweight Title fight between Glen Johnson and >
  
  

• British Boxing: Hobson’s Choice

  Frank Warren has once again called the bluff of Clinton Woods' promoter Dennis “zipper neck” Hobson - and offered him the chance of winning almost a million pounds on the >
  
  

• Calzaghe Rooting for Woods.

  

  WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe is keeping his fingers crossed for Clinton Woods to beat Rico Hoye tomorrow >
  
  

• Boxing News: Hobson issues £100,000 side bet to lure Calzaghe

  

  Fight Academy’s Dennis Hobson has offered rival Frank Warren a £100,000 side bet in an attempt to lure Warren’s super-middleweight >
  
  

• Boxing Perspective: Clinton Woods’ Tough Task Against Antonio Tarver

  On April 12, 2008, Clinton Woods will go into the lions den when he takes on former undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world, Antonio Tarver. Odds are about even >
  
  

• Warriors Boxing Want Glen Johnson - Clinton Woods

  After news reached Warriors Boxing Promotions that IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods and his promoter, Fight Academy, had announced an optional title defense against Jason DeLisle on May 13 >
  
  

• Boxing Perspective: Where Can Clinton Woods Go From Here?

  On 7 November, 2002, Clinton Woods was to have his first taste of the water from across the other side of the pond. It wasnʼt good. Dismantled in six rounds >
  
  

• Boxing News: Hobson agrees to sidebet

  IBF light heavyweight champion Clinton Woods’s promoter Dennis Hobson has agreed to offer a $50,000 side bet to Saturday’s Bolton Arena challenger Glen Johnson. “I’ll put my money where my >
  
  

---